United Beyond Manchester

What is there left to say about Manchester United’s season? The Champions League is out of reach, and the results are continuing to take a downturn. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is working behind the scenes to decide what the staff and squad will look like for next season. Despite all of this, Manchester United still has an FA Cup title to play for at the end of the month and needs results to build confidence. Crystal Palace presents a tough challenge, but a win here could go a long way to prepare United for City.

Historical Highlight

On the final day of the season in 2017, Wayne Rooney played his last game in a Manchester United shirt. With not much riding on the result, Manchester United played a lot of youth alongside Rooney and Paul Pogba. Josh Harrop scored his first and only goal for United in the 15th minute, and Pogba scored in the 29th minute to put the Reds up for good. Wayne Rooney captained the side to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, and he exited the match in the 88th minute to applause for the last time.

Current Form

In the last match, Manchester United was unable to win a second in a row, as a late penalty conceded to Burnley led to a 1-1 home result. Prior to the Burnley draw, United beat Sheffield United 4-2 as Bruno Fernandes starred. With Bruno a doubt for Monday, Erik Ten Hag will be without one of his few in-form players. With just three weeks to go before the FA Cup Final, Manchester United needs to pick up momentum to carry confidence into Wembley.

Crystal Palace are in great form. Before the draw against Fulham last Saturday, the Eagles had won three in a row over Liverpool, West Ham, and Newcastle United. Jean Phillipe-Mateta, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze have been in fine form and will look to continue on Monday.

Team News

United’s in-form man Bruno Fernandes is a doubt which will cause major headaches for Erik Ten Hag. Fernandes won Player of the Month for the club and has been integral to the team all season.

Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Jonny Evans were all seen in training and, while doubts, could still feature against Crystal Palace in some capacity.

Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof will remain out at least through the end of the month with their longer-term injuries. Anthony Tyrell Malacia is also out and likely won’t feature again this season.

Eberechi Eze missed Palace’s last match but should return against United. The biggest boost comes from Marc Guehi, who would feature for the first time in three months after a knee injury.

Predicted Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot
Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount
Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony

Match Prediction

Manchester United will bounce back with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace. Without Bruno Fernandes, two moments of brilliance from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, assisted by Kobbie Mainoo, will be the difference. Crystal Palace will get a goal from future Red (hopefully) Michael Olise.

One Bold Prediction

Kobbie Mainoo will star as the master creator. Without Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United will need someone else to serve as the creative influence. Kobbie Mainoo will step into that role on Monday and assist two goals. He has all the ability to do it, and now he will have an opportunity to show it.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!