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| Crystal Palace could throw spanner in United's works however, the motivation should get the Red Devils to business. (Photo credit: GOAL) |
Crystal Palace was staring at the relegation zone; it was looking like they would mix it with the likes of Luton Town, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, and Sheffield United, but Oliver Glasner came in, and the rest is history.
Manchester United saw Chelsea win on Sunday, meaning they now sit on top of the Red Devils in 7th, but the task at hand is simple for United: win and you go up to sixth, which guarantees Europa League football next season.
It’s amazing how Chelsea has underperformed all season and is now in a position to fight for a place in Europe next season. In their way is Manchester United, but Erik Ten Hag’s men must get past Crystal Palace on Monday first.
Speaking of the Eagles, they won three games on the bounce, including the one that damaged Liverpool’s title dreams at Anfield, before beating West Ham soundly and Newcastle. It’s more pride than anything else at this stage, but it won’t be easy for Manchester United.
The Red Devils have oscillated between brilliance and mediocrity this season; if you want to make that more worrying, they do it in different patches in the same game. Take the FA Cup game against Coventry City as an example; it’s tough to admire a team of their class.
It’s all tricky for United right now; they learned of Harry Maguire’s injury over the weekend, which means there are no recognized center-backs available for Ten Hag. Considering they play Arsenal next after Crystal Palace, it’s a lot of headache already.
Imagine Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro against Ebere Eze and Michael Olise; that would be a feast with Jean Phillippe Mateta in red-hot form. Johnny Evans is back in training; talks of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez being ready to go could be premature; it would make a good read for the hosts on Monday.
How can Palace exploit the challenges on the United side? Olise and Eze have delivered premium quality each time they play together. It’s left to be seen if Jordan Ayew will be added to the firepower, but they can trouble United with their pace and trickery.
Man United cannot afford to drop points; they can easily go up to sixth on the log. With Arsenal lurking next weekend, they must pick up the points they can everywhere possible. They’re in danger of missing out on Europe altogether. They must beat Palace, will they?