Man Utd predicted line-up vs Crystal Palace as Ten Hag responds to fears

04 February 2023 , 05:00

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Manchester United's last league outing came in the form of a 3-2 defeat at the home of league-leaders Arsenal that placed a big dent in any talk of a title tilt.

Up next is the visit of Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, just over a fortnight after the same two teams faced off at Selhurst Park. On that cold Wednesday night in Croydon, Erik ten Hag's men took the lead in the first-half only to concede a last-gasp wondergoal from Michael Olise to ensure the spoils were shared.

The Red Devils will be out for revenge this time around, especially considering they are breathing down the necks of third-placed Newcastle. Just how Ten Hag will set up remains unclear, but Mirror Football has predicted United's starting eleven when factoring in injuries and form.

David de Gea is all but certain to line up between the sticks for the hosts and the Spaniard can expect plenty of protection from the most likely back four.

It seems likely that it will consist of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back as the former Crystal Palace defender looks to continue his fine run of form against his old side. A central defensive pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez has proved the most successful for United this term and therefore Ten Hag has little reason to change it.

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Luke Shaw is one of the most in-form left-backs in the Premier League at the moment and the England regular deserves immense credit for the way he has wrestled his starting spot back from summer signing Tyrell Malacia.

Erik ten Hag has discussed the amount of playing time Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have enjoyed this season (Getty Images)

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Much-maligned midfielder Fred has often come in for some serious criticism during his time as a United player, but he has looked vastly improved since playing next to Casemiro. The former Real Madrid man has arguably been the Red Devils' player of the season so far and will start again against Palace.

Bruno Fernandes will start as the central attacking midfielder in front of Casemiro and Ten Hag has recently addressed fears the pair could suffer a burn-out as a result of how often they play in a hectic schedule.

"It is for every player – and Bruno is also playing every game," Ten Hag explained. "But those players are capable of it and that's why they are so good.

"You can always rely on them as a club and that's why they've won so many trophies. When Casemiro was at Real Madrid, I also think he played so many games."

The in-form Marcus Rashford will be aiming to reach double digits with his Premier League tally against the Eagles while playing off the left, while last summer's marquee signing Antony is likely to take up his role on the opposite flank.

Anthony Martial is now fit and ready for his first league start since last month's Manchester derby victory over City at Old Trafford.

Predicted Man Utd line up (4-2-3-1) vs Crystal Palace : De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.

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