Crystal Palace vs Manchester United preview, team news, tickets and prediction

Crystal Palace and Manchester United have a date in the Premier League on match day five at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are looking to reach great heights in the elite division after numerous seasons as one of the mid-table teams. On the other hand, Manchester United are also to challenge for the title and make a return to the UEFA Champions League following last season’s campaign.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was handed the job in the second half of the previous season and the Europa League winner worked his magic to ensure the side beat the drop and secure their top-flight status for another season. The Eagles defeated Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham United and Liverpool under the Austrian. Palace finished 10th in the 2023-24 Premier League season, winning six and drawing one of their last seven games of the season under Glasner, who replaced Roy Hodgson in February. Following those strides, everyone is looking forward to what they will achieve in the Premier League this season.

Meanwhile, Palace have already lost star forward Michael Olise to Bayern Munich in the transfer window. The French-born star was a mainstay during his time at Selhurst Park and will be greatly missed. As of the time of writing, Eberechi Eze is still at the club but things could change before the end of the transfer window. Other departures include the following players who were released by the club at the end of the season; James Tomkins, Jairo Riedewald and Nathan Ferguson.

In terms of the new signings, the London club have made a couple of signings. As of the time of writing, defender Chadi Riad from Real Betis for €15m, while Daichi Kamada arrived on a free transfer. The team also went ahead to promote David Ozoh to the first team ahead of the new season.

As for Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag managed to lead the side back into a spot in Europe. Their form in the league was quite terrible and they almost missed out totally until the FA Cup win over Manchester City at Wembley. The Dutchman’s second season produced another trophy but he was not able to lead the side back into the Champions League again after doing so in his first season. 

On the balance of things, the Red Devils underperformed to a great extent with embarrassing defeats to teams like Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Brighton. The smaller teams have also had their bite of the cherry, with Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth. Onana has been a shadow of the goalkeeper he was at Inter Milan, making some mistakes which have cost the club.

However, the club has undergone a phase of new majority owners in Sir Jim Ratcliffe who purchased a 25% stake in the club for around $1.3 billion. Following that move, some restructuring steps have been made and it is expected to continue until the end of the season.

In terms of transfers out, United announced the exit of first-team players Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams, alongside reserve players Charlie McNeill, Marcus Lawrence and Kie Plumley heading into the summer. In addition, Donny van de Beek has left for Girona, Willy Kambwala (Villarreal), Omari Forson (Monza) and Mason Greenwood (Marseille).

As of the time of writing, United have made the signings of Leny Yoro (Lille), and Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna), while talks with PSG for Manuel Ugarte have reached an advanced stage.

Manchester United lost both legs of their Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace last season without scoring a goal. Therefore, they are aware of the threats the Eagles possess and will need to up their game if they want to walk away with at least a point in this fixture.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United’s head-to-head record shows that in the 26 meetings they’ve had, Crystal Palace has won 6 times and Manchester United has won 16 times. 4 fixtures ended in a draw. 

Match tickets

This match at Selhurst Park in London kicks off on Saturday 21st September 2024, at 5:30 PM UK time. 

The 25,486-capacity stadium is the place to be for this clash between a side fighting for survival and a side aiming to prove doubters wrong.

Getting tickets for the Crystal Palace v Manchester United tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels. 

Team news

Line-ups

As of the time of writing, Crystal Palace have a clean bill of health. Oliver Glasner will begin his full term with the hope of continuing from where they stopped last season. There is no more Michael Olise in the team, so Eberechi Eze (If he doesn’t leave) is expected to lead that attack. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson should start, while last season’s breakthrough star Adam Wharton will take charge of proceedings in midfield. 

Crystal Palace: Johnstone, Ward, Andersen, Richards, Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell, Ayew, Eze, Mateta

Jadon Sancho and manager Erik ten Hag have somehow resolved their differences, and as of the time of writing, the winger is set to play a part in United’s season. With that being said, Onana should start in goal, Leny Yoro in defence as well, while Kobbie Mainoo could be drafted in midfield and Rashford in attack.

Manchester United XI: Andre Onana; Harry Maguire, Johnny Evans, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford.

Prediction

Crystal Palace became a different side towards the end of last season after Glasner became the club’s new manager. They racked up some impressive performances that time and many have their eyes fixed on the Eagles to excel this season. 

Erik Ten Hag’s side blew hot and cold last season but he still managed to deliver the FA Cup. Now with more investments in the squad and a couple of restructuring, a bit of purposeful play is being expected.

The last time United visited Selhurst Park, they lost 4-0. They lost both Premier League fixtures last season. So, there is a lot to be done if they want to get revenge. 

It is still early days in the season, so it can swing either way. However, United have a slight edge over the London side.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United