United return Old Trafford tomorrow afternoon, unbeaten in the league since Boxing Day,with a chance to tighten our grip on fourth. This is type of fixture you have to take care of with minimal fuss
We come into it 4th on 48 points, three clear of the pack below and three off third. Crystal Palace sit 13th on 35, steadier than they were in midwinter but still very much mid-table.
We edged Everton 1–0 on Monday in difficult game that was settled by a moment of real quality. What we really need is a game free of drama, a good performance and a routine win. But this is Manchester United – sticking to the script isn’t exactly our strong point.
The State of Play
Since Boxing Day, nobody has picked up more Premier League points than us, and we unbeaten in ten league games. At home, it’s 27 points from the last 36 available.
Earlier in the season, Old Trafford felt tense. Now it feels more controlled, but not the fortress it once was. We’re not blowing teams away every week, but we seem to be managing games better. More defensive discipline, better distances between the lines, fewer wild transitions, less desperation in possession.
Third place is in our hands, but these are the types of games we have struggled with this season. Put simply, we have to show up and we have to win.
The Sesko Effect
Benjamin Sesko has properly arrived.
Five non-penalty league goals in 2026 already, averaging a goal every 37 minutes in that spell. More importantly, he’s giving us a focal point. Centre-backs can’t ignore him, which creates room for Bruno and the wide players to operate.
He’s sharper, more confident, and he looks like he expects to score every time the ball drops near him. That’s not something we’ve consistently had up top this season, but the big Slovenian looks to be hitting his stride.
Surely he has earned his place in the starting eleven?
Opposition Overview
Palace have improved after a difficult run through December and January. They’ve won two of their last three in the league and they’re still carrying the confidence of last season’s FA Cup win under Oliver Glasner.
They also have a slightly annoying record here. Four wins in their last six league visits to Old Trafford tells you they’re not intimidated by the place. Dean Henderson, in particular, seems to enjoy playing against us.
But context matters. Most of Palace’s away wins this season have come against sides in the bottom half. Against teams starting the day in the top six, the record drops off sharply.
They’ll likely stick with the back three, stay compact, and try to break quickly. If the game becomes stretched, that suits them.
Predicted XI
Lammens;
Dalot, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw
Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes;
Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.
Key Battles
Sesko vs Lacroix
Palace defend on the front foot and Lacroix doesn’t mind engaging high up the pitch. That suits Sesko if we get runners beyond him. Win the first contact, bring others into play, and suddenly Palace’s shape starts stretching
Mainoo vs Wharton
Two composed midfielders who don’t rush things. Whoever controls tempo in that central area probably dictates the flow of the game.
Henderson vs Lammens
Henderson has a strong record against us. Lammens turned in a MOTM performance against Everton. Both will be tough to beat, and any mistakes could prove decisive in a fixture that has only had more than a single goal in it twice in the last ten meetings.
Prediction
Palace will make it awkward – they usually do here – but over 90 minutes we should have too much.
United 2–0 Palace
Let’s hope for a drama-free, controlled performance, with Sesko involved again, and The Reds keeping this steady, upward momentum going into March.
