After experiencing three consecutive losses, Manchester United managed to clinch a win against Burnley on Saturday, giving fans and players alike a sigh of relief. On the flip side, Crystal Palace’s recent history at Old Trafford is decent, with victories in two of their last four visits. Interestingly, in four of the last seven meetings between these two teams, only one team managed to score.
Manchester United Gathers Momentum
The win against Burnley was a vital turn for Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes’ stunning goal assured them a narrow but significant victory. This triumphant moment is something Erik ten Hag and his team aim to leverage as they embark on their journey to defend the Carabao Cup title.
In the prior matches against Arsenal, Brighton, and Bayern Munich, United had the misfortune of conceding three or more goals. The clean sheet against Burnley, a team known for its quality football, surely boosted their confidence.
Crystal Palace’s Scoring Dilemma
Crystal Palace, however, couldn’t mirror Manchester United’s success as they faced a goalless draw against Fulham. Despite Odsonne Edouard’s notable efforts, who has been responsible for four of Palace’s six league goals this season, the team struggled to feed the ball to the talented French striker.
Depth Could Be United’s Deciding Factor
Rod Hodgson expressed satisfaction with his starting XI, but the lack of quality substitutes was a concern for him. As the Eagles plan their strategy for their first of two visits to Old Trafford in four days, the availability of solid substitutes may play a significant role. Ten Hag will be eager to keep the winning momentum alive. Rasmus Hojlund’s notable performance against Burnley could also be a factor, raising expectations for him to possibly score in the upcoming match.
