7M - Manchester United Prepare for Crystal Palace Test at Old Trafford

Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Sunday, hosting Crystal Palace in a Premier League fixture that could shape the race for the top four. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 on March 1, 2026.

Form and context

United eased past Everton 1-0 in their most recent match, with substitute Benjamin Sesko continuing his red-hot run by scoring his seventh Premier League goal of the season. Sesko has now found the net five times in his last six league appearances, helping Manchester United to take an impressive 16 points from the last 18 available. The Red Devils remain the only Premier League side unbeaten since Boxing Day and sit three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in fourth, while lying three behind Aston Villa in third.

Crystal Palace arrive off the back of a 2-0 win over Zrinjski Mostar that secured their place in the Europa Conference League last 16. The victory, thanks to goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand, was Palace's second successive win after a 1-0 triumph over Wolves. Palace have recovered from a difficult run earlier in the season and now boast three wins in their last five matches across all competitions, though they remain in the lower half of the Premier League table.

Tactical match-up

United have been prolific at home in recent weeks, scoring freely against Tottenham, Manchester City and Fulham. Michael Carrick's side have a strong recent home record and will expect to control possession and press Palace high. Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, are a compact team that can absorb pressure and hit on the break. Their physical approach and aerial threat mean set pieces could prove decisive, while their ability to win physical duels may influence how the referee's tolerance for challenges affects the game.

Injury and team news

Manchester United should be largely intact following the Everton game. Bryan Mbeumo, who left the match late on, is not thought to have suffered a serious issue and is expected to be available. Lisandro Martinez (calf) is set to remain sidelined, while Mason Mount is progressing toward a return. Patrick Dorgu (thigh) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) have no return date yet.

Crystal Palace reported no fresh issues after their win over Zrinjski. Lacroix overcame a groin problem to start and score midweek, but Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee) and Eddie Nketiah (thigh) remain unavailable.

Likely lineups (predicted)

Manchester United (possible): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Crystal Palace (possible): Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Strand Larsen

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace

Given United's excellent recent form, home advantage and attacking momentum, they are expected to take all three points. A 2-0 victory for Manchester United is the projected scoreline.