Manchester United battle Crystal Palace on Sunday at Old Trafford, and ahead of the game, we’ve spoken to a Crystal Palace expert about the game.
It is a game which could see Manchester United move up to third in the Premier League table, a position which looked unthinkable two months ago.
This is a testament to the work of Michael Carrick, making Champions League qualification look entirely possible.
Carrick has some big decisions to make for United ahead of the game. But ahead of the game, United in Focus have spoken with We Are Palace editor-in-chief Billy Meyers to get his thoughts.
How confident are you feeling about Manchester United’s chances vs Crystal Palace?
Can United move into third place?
Bryan Mbeumo smiling against Everton
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Crystal Palace expert impressed by Michael Carrick and says Oliver Glasner shouldn’t be considered by Manchester United
Speaking with Meyers, we asked him some pressing questions from the buildup to the game.
What have you made of Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s interim head coach?
“I think Michael Carrick has already done enough to earn a contract for next season, at least next season. He did an impressive job at Middlesbrough, and the Guardian even claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in 2023 when Patrick Vieira was under pressure.
Michael Carrick speaks during Manchester United Press Conference
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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“Vincent Kompany was linked at the same time while at Burnley and has since become one of the most exciting managerial talents around at Bayern Munich, so I see no reason why Carrick can’t be Manchester United’s very own Kompany.”
Oliver Glasner has long been a rumoured Manchester United manager target. Would he be a good appointment?
“In terms of Oliver Glasner and Manchester United, his history of clashing with owners in Germany and now in SE25 suggests he may simply end up going down like Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. The Austrian also uses a 3-4-2-1 formation, which Manchester United players do not seem to enjoy working in, so I would avoid him if I were Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”
Who do you think is United’s biggest threat to Palace?
“I think Bryan Mbeumo is the biggest threat for Crystal Palace this Sunday. With Tyrick Mitchell often pushing high up in a wing-back role, there will be space for the Cameroon international to exploit just as he did against Everton when assisting Benjamin Sesko’s winner. Matheus Cunha also caused us problems at Molineux last season in a 2-2 draw, so he is one to keep an eye on too.”
What is your score prediction?
“3-0 United”.
There is only ONE form team ahead of Man Utd vs Crystal Palace
As far are you are concerned, is Oliver Glasner OUT OF THE RUNNING to be next Man Utd boss?
Utd/Palace form graphic
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Manchester United must exploit Palace’s weakness with Bryan Mbeumo
With Palace’s weakness likely behind their wing-backs, starting Mbeumo on the right is absolutely vital.
Mbeumo has the speed to take advantage of Tyrick Mitchell being caught out of position on the break.
This also requires Benjamin Sesko up front, to push the back-line back and keep the three central defenders busy so the wide players have space.
The game has a banana skin fixture written all over it… But United have enough to win, so there is no excuse.
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