A demoralising defeat against Everton cast a dark cloud over Old Trafford, as Ruben Amorim’s suitability at Manchester United is again the hottest talking point in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, the Portuguese chief has an opportunity to silence his many critics with Sunday’s trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
For some, the result is a foregone conclusion, with a plethora of determined naysayers vying for yet another change in the Manchester hotseat.
Recent history would suggest the 20-time English champions will face a tricky task in South London against an attractive outfit who are more than happy to dance to Oliver Glasner’s melody.
Still, few gave Amorim any chance of claiming nine points from three fixtures following another setback against Brentford, and despite the desire of some, you’d be foolish to rule this United side out.
Manchester United Team News
One of the most significant aspects of Monday’s disappointment against the Toffees was the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
Both were missing due to separate injuries, and the travelling contingent will have to wait to see the summer arrivals return to first-team duty.
“Sesko is going to take a little bit more time,” Amorim stated during his pre-match press conference.
“It will take a little bit longer, and we are taking care of him. Harry [Maguire], the same. I expect to have Matheus in the next one [West Ham on Thursday], not this one.”
The former Sporting tactician also confirmed that Lisandro Martinez is ready to return after 10 months of frustration following surgery.
Having observed the defeat to Everton from the stands, the World Cup winner is chomping at the bit to aid his teammates’ charge up the table.
“If he is on the bench, he is ready,” Ruben confirmed. “Of course, we need to control his minutes, but if he is on the bench, he is ready to play.”
Mason Mount is in line to feature from the opening whistle, having impressed during the early stages of the season.
Although a series of unfortunate injury setbacks have hampered his time at the club, the 26-year-old is determined to win over an uncertain fanbase and feels he can offer plenty in the engine room.
“Yeah, I think, for me, I’ve always looked at myself as a midfielder, ever since I was young,” he stated during an interview with the United Review.
“So I always kind of have that midfielder mindset and that outlook on the game. So, if I am playing higher up on the pitch and in a No. 10 role, I will always have the midfielder mindset, even though I may go a little bit higher up on the pitch.
“So, yeah, for me, I always love getting forward into the box and trying to get on the end of crosses or create any opportunities, but whenever we do lose the ball, and there is a counter-attack for the opposition team, I’m trying to get back in and help the midfield.
“And be that kind and of third midfielder, to help the lads.”
Despite maintaining a dominant record against Palace (W41, D14, L13) since a first meeting in 1922, Glasner is yet to taste defeat against the Reds (W2, D1).
Significantly, United have failed to score in any of the previous four meetings between the sides, conceding seven and taking a point from a possible 12.
It’s no secret that trips to London have proven arduous in recent years, and the scars of many underwhelming performances remain.
Still, despite the task at hand, a steely response is necessary, and although there are injuries to contend with, there is talent within this squad.
Blame the manager all you want, but it is up to the players to deliver on the day. This Manchester United team requires a statement performance and result. What better time than now?
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Bruno, Casemiro, Dalot; Zirzkee, Mount; Mbeumo.
How do you feel ahead of our latest journey down South? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
(Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com)
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