United vs Palace | Predicted Lineup for the First Game Under Rangnick

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace, Man United, Crystal Palace

Manchester United hosts Crystal Palace this Sunday as the Red Devils welcome their new interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, at Old Trafford. Having salvaged an anxious three points against Arsenal on Thursday, United will be hoping to build momentum ahead of a favourable set of fixtures over the coming month.

With Michael Carrick having stepped down as caretaker manager, the German will be keen on kick-starting his tenure with a comprehensive victory at Old Trafford. The Red Devils only registered their third league win in six home games on Thursday, but will certainly be hoping to improve their record over the remainder of the campaign.

Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United vs Crystal Palace — Image Obtained via Goal.com

Although many expect Rangnick to make significant changes to the starting line-up against Palace, United are likely to field a similar eleven to the one against Arsenal. With doubts still looming over Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s fitness, Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles are, once again, expected to replace the English full-backs.

Meanwhile, Rafael Varane, Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba are still working on their recoveries and remain out of contention, whilst rumours suggest Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be involved given the minor discomfort around his knee.

Given the need to gradually improve and secure a series of victories over the coming weeks, Rangnick will be expected to kick-start his journey with an assuring three points at Old Trafford. However, given Crystal Palace’s noteworthy form this season, the Red Devils could be in for a surprise provided they fail to display a disciplined performance today.

Predicted Lineup (Formation 4-2-3-1)

Expected to deliver a boisterous performance under the new manager, all eyes will be fixed on United as they prepare for a new beginning on Sunday. Given the lack of training sessions, however, the German is more than likely to deploy a familiar starting XI, but adopt a relatively proactive approach throughout the ninety minutes.

Provided Rangnick employs an attacking approach, Palace are likely to struggle against United for most parts of the game. However, if the United players fail to execute their roles diligently, the visitors are more than capable of punishing the Red Devils for their inadequacies.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea – The club’s Player of the Month for November, De Gea has been vital to United’s results in recent weeks. The Spaniard’s composure played a pivotal part for the team only conceding two goals against Arsenal, and he is expected to remain an unshakable component between the sticks over the remainder of the campaign. With a new manager taking charge on Sunday, De Gea will be keen on delivering his best against Palace at Old Trafford.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB) – Having delivered a well-rounded performance against Arsenal, Dalot will be expected to retain his place against the Eagles. The right-back’s technical attributes and discipline played a vital part in the result on Thursday and he will be amongst those hoping to impress the new boss, provided he is granted a fair opportunity this weekend.

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – Arguably, the team’s most consistent defender in recent weeks, Lindelof’s performances continue being overlooked given the frailties of United’s backline this season. The Swedish centre-back delivered another solid performance in the United vs Arsenal game, and he will be hoping to build upon and impress the Rangnick against Crystal Palace.

Harry Maguire (LCB) – Having delivered a marginally better performance against Arsenal, Maguire will be keen on regaining his confidence ahead of a challenging set of fixtures. While questions still loom over his adaptability to a new system, the centre-back will be keen on silencing his doubters, starting this Sunday.

Alex Telles (LB) – A promising string of performances has seen Alex Telles being touted as a potential challenger of the left-back spot. The Brazilian has been impressive in the absence of Shaw and will be hoping to hold onto his first-team spot under the new manager.

Midfielders

Fred (CM) – Gradually regaining form following a deplorable start to the season, the Brazilian is tailored for Rangnick’s football philosophy. Fred has been vital to United’s recent results and will hope to make a lasting impression on Sunday. Moreover, given the room for improvement, the Brazilian is regarded amongst those expected to significantly develop under the German’s tutelage.

Scott McTominay (CM) – Although concerns spill over McTominay’s long-term role under a progressive system, the Scotsman is likely to hold onto his spot, at least for the immediate future. While McTominay remains amongst United’s most physically intimidating midfielders, his lack of ability on the ball could hinder his prospects under Rangnick’s management. However, given the need for a robust midfielder against Palace, McTominay emerges as the foremost name on the team sheet this weekend.

Forwards

Jadon Sancho (RW) – Coming into his own since his impressive cameo against Watford, Sancho is likely to cement his spot in the starting XI over the coming weeks. Having played a significant part in securing a string of positive results in recent weeks, the youngster will be hoping to deliver a convincing performance against the Eagles.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – Having registered a significant goal contribution against Arsenal, Fernandes will be hoping to kick on over the tight schedule of fixtures. The Portuguese midfielder’s performances will be vital if the team are to improve their results, and he will be keen on impressing the new manager, starting this weekend.

⚠️ | QUICK STAT

Bruno Fernandes has just scored Manchester United's first goal against Arsenal in 359 minutes of play – their last goalscorer against the Gunners before today was Scott McTominay, in their clash on 1 January 2020.

United equalize just before half-time!#MUNARS pic.twitter.com/F6oYmDfXc7

— Sofascore (@SofascoreINT) December 2, 2021

Marcus Rashford (LW) – Amongst United’s underperforming players this season, Rashford will be hoping to gain the trust of his new manager. Having been a significant part of United’s achievements in recent seasons, the winger will be keen on improving his form and output over the busy set of fixtures.

Anthony Martial (ST) – With Cristiano Ronaldo rumoured to have sustained a minor injury, Martial is likely to be given a start on Sunday. Although the Frenchman has failed to make the most of his opportunities since last season, Martial will be hoping to make a lasting impression, provided he is included in the starting line-up on Sunday.

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