Manchester United vs Crystal Palace | 2022/23 Pre-season Tour

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace, pre-season

A promising 1-4 victory over Melbourne Victory saw Erik Ten Hag’s side deliver yet another commanding performance last week. Now, with the opposition set to grow increasingly challenging over the remainder of the pre-season tour starting from today against Crystal Palace, the newly appointed Manchester United manager will be looking to forge a substantial idea of his starting line-up for the opening fixtures of the 2022/23 season.

Manchester United vs Melbourne Victory, pre-season — Image Obtained via Sports Illustrated

Having seen signs of potential, Ten Hag is likely to continue fielding similar starting XI’s across both halves later today. However, with the likes of Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal having shown tremendous promise during both pre-season fixtures, the Dutchman could certainly look forward to deploying either or both youngsters for the first half against the Eagles.

Manchester United Starting Line-Up Against Crystal Palace

Whilst having secured comfortable victories in both fixtures hitherto, the Dutch manager will be keen on cutting out mistakes and inadequacies throughout the remaining part of the pre-season tour. With much room for improvement before the start of the season, a pre-season fixture against a challenging Crystal Palace side is likely to see the United players put to a test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later today.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK): Having left out of the squad last week, De Gea is likely to retain his place between the sticks later today. With Ten Hag having instructed the Spaniard to supplement the high-line against Liverpool, much of the same will be expected of the 31-year-old shot-stopper against Palace.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): Amongst the stand-out players across both fixtures, Dalot will be keen on nailing down a starting spot moving into the campaign. With United likely to move for a new right-back provided they secure a buyer for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Dalot will be hoping to impress Ten Hag over the remainder of the tour.

Harry Maguire (RCB): Having delivered a decent performance against Victory, Maguire is expected to retain his place in the defensive line against Palace. With Lisandro Martinez expected to slot in at left centre-back for the start of the season, it remains to be seen if the Englishman competes with Raphael Varane for a starting place moving into the campaign.

Victor Lindelof (LCB): Steady in his performances across both fixtures, Lindelof is likely to have caught the eye of the Dutch manager in recent weeks. However, with severe competition for places, the Swedish centre-back will be keen on cutting out mistakes whilst making a case for a starting spot for the opening game week.

Tyrell Malacia (LB): While Luke Shaw remains unlikely to be replaced as the team’s starting left-back under Ten Hag, Malacia is expected to be granted an opportunity from the first whistle on Tuesday. Although yet to deliver a notable performance, the Dutch full-back will be keen on showcasing his abilities over the remainder of the pre-season tour.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM): Deployed in a relatively progressive role last week, McTominay is likely to carry out similar responsibilities against Palace. With question marks looming over his ability to adapt to the manager’s philosophy, the Scotsman will be keen on showcasing his abilities over the pre-season fixtures.

Fred (CM): A decent outing against Victory saw Fred deliver a disciplined performance last week. Likely to be deployed alongside a new midfielder for the upcoming campaign, the Brazilian will be keen on developing his game moving into the campaign.

Forwards

Jadon Sancho (RW): Arguably, United’s most promising player across both fixtures, Sancho will be keen on continuing to remain consistent over the upcoming fixtures. With the club unlikely to move for an attacker, Sancho will be keen on cementing a first-team spot moving into the season.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Disciplined performances have seen Fernandes emerge as a reliable presence across the attacking third. Having displayed the composure to improve, the Portuguese midfielder will be looking to remain consistent in his applications over the coming weeks.

Marcus Rashford (LW): Having bagged a goal against Victory last week, Rashford will be keen on improving his overall contributions moving into the season. Although yet to show promising improvement, the winger will be keen on gaining confidence moving into the season.

Anthony Martial (ST): Amongst the team’s promising performers across both fixtures, Martial continues to stake a claim for a starting place moving into the campaign. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s future uncertain, the Frenchman will be hoping to nail down a starting spot for the opening game week.