Man Utd predicted XI for Crystal Palace as summer signing ready for full debut

26 September 2023 , 09:46

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Manchester United will be hoping to build on their narrow win over Burnley when they play Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

United ended their three-match losing run with a much-needed 1-0 victory at Turf Moor thanks to Bruno Fernandes ’ stunning volley. Poor results haven’t been the only concern for Erik ten Hag, who has been hindered by an injury crisis and the unavailability of Jadon Sancho and Antony.

Thankfully, the Dutchman has been boosted by the return to fitness of a group of stars, who have returned to training and might feature against Palace. United host Palace at Old Trafford at 8pm on Tuesday and are likely to rotate their squad, with one eye on another game against Palace in the Premier League on Saturday and the next Champions League tie against Galatasaray next week.

Ten Hag has a tightrope to walk, needing to keep his key players fresh but knowing another defeat will pile the pressure back on. Here Mirror Football takes a look at the team he might go for as he tries to defend the trophy he won in February.

Goalkeeper

The third round of the Carabao Cup is generally seen as the perfect opportunity for managers to rotate their side and integrate fringe players. Altay Bayindir fits the bill perfectly as a second-choice goalkeeper who is yet to make his debut.

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The 25-year-old keeper joined in a £4.3million move from Fenerbahce at the end of the summer transfer window to replace Dean Henderson, who left for Palace. Onana is the undisputed No1, but if there was ever a time to hand out a debut to his deputy it is now, especially given that United could be without Onana for up to seven games if Cameroon go far in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Defence

Harry Maguire could start in defence (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Ten Hag is desperately short of options at the back, with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia all out. Sergio Reguilon was substituted against Burnley, but Ten Hag said it was just because he was feeling ill, so the loanee left-back should be available to play again.

Diogo Dalot will have to play again, given the shortages of other options. If Reguilon is available then he will line up at right-back, if not he will have to switch to left-back, with Victor Lindelof the most obvious other option on the right. Raphael Varane came off the bench at Burnley and surely needs the minutes as he builds back from yet another injury.

Jonny Evans got the assist against Palace and generally impressed, but Harry Maguire could start in his place. The former captain is going through a tough time and is absolutely desperate for game time. He should get it.

Midfield

Sofyan Amrabat and Alejandro Garnacho are vying for a start (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Mason Mount is back in training, but it might be too early for him to start following injury. Casemiro is due a rest after starting seven straight games, meaning a full debut for Sofyan Amrabat is on the cards following a substitute appearance at Burnley.

Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Hannibal Mejbri will all be vying for a place in the starting XI. The former did not get off the bench against Burnley and could well get the nod despite Hannibal’s recent breakthrough. Bruno Fernandes is the captain and leader on the pitch and with so many changes elsewhere, he will keep his place.

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Forwards

Facundo Pellistri started against Bayern Munich (Marcio Machado/Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford needs a rest and Ten Hag has been very careful with Rasmus Hojlund so far, easing him into life at United after he arrived injured. The Dane played his first 90 minutes for United against Burnley and will likely be rested here.

Alejandro Garnacho should start for United on the left in place of Rashford and the unavailability of Sancho and Antony has presented an opportunity for Facundo Pellistri, who started the Bayern Munich loss. Anthony Martial has not convinced up front but is the only real option to replace Hojlund up front. He could do with a performance.

Man Utd predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Amrabat, Eriksen, Fernandes; Pellistri, Garnacho, Martial.