Zirkzee Leads Man Utd's Injury-Hit Attack as Red Devils Face Crystal Palace Test
Manchester United saw their impressive five-match unbeaten streak come to an end with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Everton at home on Monday evening, leaving Ruben Amorim's squad facing a challenging fixture this coming Sunday.
The Red Devils suffered their first-ever Premier League defeat at Old Trafford while enjoying a numerical advantage, after Idrissa Gueye's reckless challenge on Michael Keane left the visitors with ten men for 77 minutes of the match.
Despite this, the stubborn Amorim stuck rigidly to his favored 3-4-2-1 formation and couldn't properly capitalize on Everton's numerical disadvantage. While Jordan Pickford made several excellent stops, the Toffees remained largely untroubled and earned a well-deserved victory at the iconic stadium.
Now United must travel to their own problematic venue. The Manchester club hasn't secured a win at Selhurst Park since 2020, though they'll be taking on a Crystal Palace team that suffered defeat in France during Thursday's European competition.
Here's how Manchester United might set up in south London for Sunday's early kickoff.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
GK: Senne Lammens—His positioning error allowed Kieran Dewsbury-Hall's shot to find the net on Monday, and that crucial mistake ultimately determined the outcome of the match.
CB: Leny Yoro—Amorim left Yoro on the pitch too long during the Everton clash, but this shouldn't prevent him from starting at Selhurst Park. The nature of Sunday's encounter will likely be entirely different.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt—With Harry Maguire sidelined due to injury, De Ligt is expected to continue in United's defensive core. The central position suits his playing style best.
CB: Luke Shaw—Lisandro Martínez returned to the substitutes' bench last match after missing most of 2025 with a knee problem. Nevertheless, Amorim will likely persist with Shaw for the time being.
RWB: Amad Diallo—United sorely missed creativity and flair in wide areas during Monday's first half, but Amad provided a positive influence. He embraces responsibility, and deploying him as a wing-back enhances the Red Devils' offensive capabilities.
CM: Casemiro—The experienced midfielder has an important part to play in what promises to be a scrappy encounter with a crowded midfield battle.
CM: Bruno Fernandes—Manchester United will rely on their skipper to unlock Sunday's contest. Fernandes struggled to break down Everton's defensive structure despite his efforts, lacking sufficient support from teammates.
LWB: Diogo Dalot—United's left wing-back alternatives are equally underwhelming. Amorim's selection in this position may prove inconsequential.
AM: Bryan Mbeumo—The ex-Brentford attacker boasts two goals and one assist in seven appearances against Palace, making him United's main goal threat given the absence of a natural striker. Joshua Zirkzee can hardly be considered a genuine number nine.
AM: Mason Mount—Amorim brought Mount on to spark United's second-half performance on Monday evening, but the English midfielder couldn't deliver the required impact.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee—The Dutch forward earned his first start of the campaign last time out, and despite a modest performance that might not warrant retention, injury concerns could force Amorim's decision. Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško remain unavailable.
