United Eye Third as Palace Test Champions League Charge
Manchester United have a golden opportunity to strengthen their push for Champions League qualification this afternoon as Crystal Palace arrive at Old Trafford. A hard-fought victory over Everton on Monday kept United firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish. Benjamin Sesko proved decisive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and he retains his place in the starting XI today. With Liverpool drawing level on points after their win on Saturday, the pressure remains intense, but Aston Villa’s slip-up on Friday has opened the door.
Three points for Michael Carrick’s side would lift them into third place a position they have not occupied since May 2023. Team News United are without Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez, who are both absent from the squad. Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt also miss out. The hosts line up as follows: United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes; Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha. Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Johnson, Strand Larsen, Sarr. United will be aiming to complete a league double over Palace, having secured a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park earlier in the campaign.
Oliver Glasner has opted for continuity, naming ten of the players who featured in Thursday night’s fixture. Brennan Johnson is the only change to the Eagles’ starting side a bold call given Palace’s demanding schedule, something Glasner has openly expressed frustration about in recent weeks.
Selection Decisions Amad has dropped to the bench to make way for Sesko, a decision that reflects recent form. The winger has yet to register a goal or assist since returning from AFCON, while Cunha has found the net against both Arsenal and Fulham in that same stretch. Amad, however, offers a lively option off the bench and could prove influential in the latter stages.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, Mazraoui, Moorhouse, T. Fletcher, Ugarte, Amad, Zirkzee. Youngsters Moorhouse and T. Fletcher have arrived with the squad, adding depth to the bench. Carrick’s Likely Approach Carrick has largely kept faith with the side that impressed at Everton. Senne Lammens continues in goal after an outstanding performance on Monday a display many believe was pivotal to securing all three points.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw operate as full-backs, while Harry Maguire anchors the defence. Leny Yoro, having recovered from a shaky spell, partners him at centre back following a composed showing in midweek.
The Stakes Victory today would see United leapfrog Aston Villa into third place and take another significant step toward securing a return to Europe’s elite competition. Palace, despite enduring a difficult run since mid-December with only two wins in 12 league matches, have shown signs of improvement lately and will not make it easy. Old Trafford is set for another high-stakes afternoon as United look to build on five wins from their last six matches. With the Champions League race tightening by the week, every point carries enormous weight — and today could prove decisive.
