Everything is not going well at Manchester United. After getting knocked out of the League Cup by Middlesbrough, manager Louis Van Gaal’s tactics has raised several eyebrows. He was heavily criticized by the fans, experts and the club legends. But the Dutchman will be looking to prove his critics a point when his side takes on Crystal Palace at the Selhurst Park later tonight.
The huge headache for Van Gaal will be the form of skipper Wayne Rooney. Rooney has not been his usual self and struggling to make an impact on he pitch. The fans will be hoping that their talismanic striker will get his form back and do wonders for the club. Anthony Martial has been Manchester United’s best player on the pitch ever since he joined them. English defender Chris Smalling has shown the world what he is capable of and he will look to continue his good run against the Eagles.
The hosts will be hoping to avoid another defeat when they face Manchester United. They are in the seventh position with 15 points and will look to get the three points at stake against United. Palace come into this fixture after a disappointing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad in the fourth round of the League Cup. Manager Alan Pardew will be hoping his side to put on a better defensive display against the Red Devils.
Team News
Connor Wickham and Marouane Chamakh are ruled out of the match as they are not match fit. The hosts’ top scorer Yohan Cabaye has received a knock is a doubt for the match, along with Pape Souare. Joel Ward is likely to start after getting some minutes towards the end of the 5-1 defeat to Manchester City in midweek.
On the other hand, Antonio Valencia and Paddy McNair are ruled out of the Manchester United squad to face Palace. Summer signing Memphis Depay, too is nursing an injury and is uncertain for the clash. Ashley Young is edging closer to full fitness after playing for almost an hour in mid-week, while Luke Shaw remains a long-term absentee.
Possible Playing XI:
Crystal Palace: Hennessey; Kelly, Hangeland, Dann, Ward; McArthur, Jedinak; Zaha, Puncheon, Sako; Bolasie
Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Jones, Smalling, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Martial; Rooney