Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Preview: Carrick Eyes Seventh Game Unbeaten and Top Three Push

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United aim to extend their six-match unbeaten run when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford this Sunday in a Premier League clash that could see United climb into third place.

The Red Devils have won five and drawn one in their last six matches, with Carrick still unbeaten during his interim spell so far. Last time out, United edged past Everton thanks to a Benjamin Šeško goal off the bench to secure a vital three points in the pursuit of Champions League qualification.

It was Šeško’s fifth goal in six league games since Ruben Amorim’s departure, scoring in back-to-back fixtures. His latest was a composed finish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to defeat the Toffees 1–0. Before that, he netted a 95th-minute equaliser at the London Stadium to preserve Carrick’s unbeaten record.

With 16 points from the last 18 available, United are the most in-form side in the division, unbeaten since Boxing Day. Following Aston Villa’s defeat to Wolves, the Red Devils could move into the top three on goal difference with victory over the Eagles.

Palace Seeking Consistency

Oliver Glasner’s side have improved since their dramatic 3–2 defeat to Burnley after leading 2–0 at half-time. A narrow 1–0 win over Wolves and progression into the Europa Conference League Round of 16 have steadied their season.

Palace sit 13th on 35 points and appear clear of the relegation battle, now 10 points above the drop. They are only two points off the top half and three points away from eighth place and potential European qualification.

However, scoring remains their primary issue. Their last two Premier League wins have both come by 1–0 margins. The Eagles have scored just 29 league goals this season the joint third-lowest tally despite generating 42.9 xG.

With Senne Lammens keeping three clean sheets in six league matches under Carrick, Palace may find opportunities limited at Old Trafford.

Head-to-Head

Palace boast a strong recent record against United. Prior to this season, the Eagles were unbeaten in four consecutive meetings, keeping clean sheets in all four and winning three.

One of those victories was a 4–0 triumph at Selhurst Park, where Michael Olise dominated Erik ten Hag’s United. Last season, Palace followed a goalless draw with a 2–0 win at Old Trafford via a Jean-Philippe Mateta brace.

However, Ruben Amorim ended that run earlier this season, guiding United to a comeback victory at Selhurst Park in November.

Team News

Manchester United remain without several key players. Lisandro Martínez is expected to miss out again due to a calf injury, meaning Leny Yoro should continue alongside Harry Maguire after an assured display against Everton.

Mathias De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu remain sidelined, while Mason Mount is nearing a return but is unlikely to feature on Sunday.

Bryan Mbeumo walked off gingerly against Everton but is not believed to have suffered a serious issue and should be available.

Benjamin Šeško will hope to start after scoring his seventh league goal last time out. The Slovenian leads the division for non-penalty goals in 2026, with five already this calendar year.

Crystal Palace emerged unscathed from their 2–0 win over Zrinjski in midweek and are expected to field a similar starting XI.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jefferson Lerma and Eddie Nketiah remain unavailable. Without Mateta, Jorge Strand Larsen is set to lead the line, supported by in-form loanee Evann Guessand.

Predicted Line-Ups

Manchester United XI:

Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Šeško

Crystal Palace XI:

Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada; Sarr, Guessand, Strand Larsen