Manchester United are scheduled to take on Crystal Palace in a pre-season friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
United have had a pretty impressive start to their pre-season as they defeated Liverpool and Melbourne Victory pretty convincingly in their last two matches as new manager Erik ten Hag seems to have an instant impact on the team.
The Dutch manager has overseen a busy summer so far as Old Trafford has seen a number of players leaving the club following the expiry of the contract.
After Tyrell Malacia, United also confirmed the arrival of Christian Eriksen and the arrival of Lisandro Martinez is also imminent as a deal has been agreed with Ajax.
United had a torrid season last time as they finished 6th and will compete for the Europa League next season. A number of players have already excelled in this new system and the manager might get to see more of them in the remaining pre-season matches.
Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage have impressed the gaffer while Anthony Martial has scored two goals which could provide the team with a sharp edge in the coming season.
The transfer saga related to Frenkie De Jong’s move from Barcelona has elongated more than expected and the Dutch midfielder is still expected to play a role under his former manager at United.
Palace have already been involved in a number of friendlies to test their sharpness prior to the season as manager Patrick Vieira is very willing to better their last season’s performance.
Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke and Will Hughes are among the few players who were left out of the tour due to various issues. The Eagles have played four friendly matches so far winning two, drawing one and losing one so far.
The London giants welcomed three new signings as Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucoure and Malcolm Ebiowei have been the only three players to arrive at Selhurst Park so far.
They drew 1-1 with Accrington Stanley followed by a 5-4 win over Milwall and a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Their last match was against Ipswich Town as they went on to emerge as the winner.
They finished 12th last season in the Premier League and at least a place in the top ten would be the priority for Vieira.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Date: 19th August 2022
Time: 3:40 PM IST
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Team News
Manchester United
Ten Hag confirmed both David de Gea and Raphael Varane suffered minor injuries and should be available for this match. Ten Hag is likely to field the first team regulars in the first half followed by a string of changes in the second half.
Crystal Palace
Palace emphasised more on youngsters in this pre-season and the French manager is likely to field a youthful lineup against Manchester United.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho; Martial
Crystal Palace Possible Lineup
Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Ward, Mitchell; Rak-Sakyi, Milivojevic, Phillips; J Ayew, Mateta, Edouard
Predictions
Manchester United could prove to be a handful against a weaker Palace side.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Fantasy XI NO. 1
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Fantasy XI NO. 2
