Sesko Seizes Golden Opportunity as Man Utd Face Crystal Palace—Team News and Starting XI Revealed
Manchester United have certainly faced some additional challenges in their latest two matches, but they approach Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace as the Premier League's most in-form side since Michael Carrick's return to management.
The display against Everton on Monday evening was far from pretty, but the Red Devils, thanks to a superb counter-attacking move and a composed Senne Lammens display, managed to secure victory.
They sit comfortably in fourth place with their eyes on Aston Villa in third position. Qualifying for the Champions League is essential following a campaign filled with numerous free midweeks, and Carrick's squad will feel optimistic about claiming a sixth victory in seven matches when a weary Palace side visits Old Trafford.
Man Utd Without Star Defender
Man Utd Without Star Defender
Lisandro Martínez was an unexpected omission on Monday evening, with the Argentine centre-back ruled out due to a calf problem. His availability for the weekend remains uncertain, as Carrick made no reference to Martínez's fitness during his pre-match press briefing on Friday.
Should he remain unavailable, Leny Yoro will continue alongside Harry Maguire. The French defender found his rhythm at Goodison Park following an uncertain beginning, though there's no question that Martínez represents a significant absence, particularly for Man Utd's possession play and the intensity they seek without the ball.
Carrick has indicated that Matthijs de Ligt won't return soon due to a back problem, while Mason Mount is gradually approaching full fitness. However, Sunday's encounter comes too early for his return.
Patrick Dorgu emerged as an early standout during Carrick's tenure, but he suffered a hamstring setback in the thrilling 3–2 triumph over Arsenal and remains sidelined until April.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Senne Lammens—The Belgian delivered an outstanding performance at Goodison Park, with his calm presence helping secure a third clean sheet since Carrick's return.
RB: Diogo Dalot—Dalot has provided reliable service in recent weeks, though right-back could be a position Man Utd address during the summer window.
CB: Leny Yoro—The promising French centre-back is set for his second consecutive start while Martínez remains unavailable.
CB: Harry Maguire—Carrick spoke glowingly about Maguire ahead of Sunday's fixture, and the home side will rely on the England international to counter the physical threat of Jørgen Strand Larsen.
LB: Luke Shaw—Should Palace create opportunities in attack this weekend, they'll likely target Ismaïla Sarr's partnership with Daniel Muñoz on the right side. Shaw has been solid under Carrick, though the veteran defender can be vulnerable.
DM: Casemiro—A reliable figure in midfield. United will deeply feel Casemiro's departure when his contract expires this summer.
DM: Kobbie Mainoo—Sunday features a clash between England prospects, as an improving Mainoo goes head-to-head with Adam Wharton. The Man Utd midfielder has caught Thomas Tuchel's attention during his excellent recent spell.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo—With Carrick potentially rotating at striker, Mbeumo will move to the right wing. The manager will expect the ex-Brentford player to match Amad Diallo's work rate defensively.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—United's captain has struggled historically against Palace and comes into Sunday's match following two subdued performances.
LW: Matheus Cunha—The tenacious Brazilian was instrumental in United's narrow win at Everton, sparking the decisive counter-attack with an accurate long pass to Bryan Mbeumo. He'll keep his position on the left, and his long-range shooting ability could prove valuable.
ST: Benjamin Šeško—Carrick must have considered starting Šeško on Monday evening, and while the forward has impressed as a substitute, he's warranted a spot in the manager's first eleven against the Eagles.