Manchester United will be eager to continue the unbeaten start to life under Michael Carrick when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Michael Carrick has no new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lisandro Martinez is closing in on returning from a short-term layoff with a muscular injury. However, it is unclear if the Argentine international will be fit and available to take on Crystal Palace.
Matthijs de Ligt (lower back), Patrick Dorgu (hamstring), and Mason Mount (knock) remain in the treatment room, with Dorgu and Mount close to returning from their layoffs. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Carrick provided fitness updates on de Ligt and Mount.
The Manchester United head coach said, “Mason is getting closer really. He’s on the grass and he’s getting closer, he’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He’s getting close. He’s just had to be patient really and he’s a big player so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season. The good news is he’s getting really close.”
“Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress really. It’s something we’ve been working through and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction but, as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s one of those things that’s disappointing but it’s just a part of football unfortunately, so we’ll get him back when we can.”
“It’s just the nature of the injury and the issue in the back. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing and we’re just working towards that really. There’s not much more I can give at this stage.”
Senne Lammens is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Manchester United lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The backline will feature Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw. However, Martinez will replace Yoro if he is fit and available.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot. Bruno Fernandes will reprise the no. 10 role, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha being the two wide attackers. Finally, Benjamin Sesko will lead the line for the home side against Crystal Palace, earning the reward for his recent impressive performances. So, Amad will be among the backup options on the bench for the Red Devils.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
