Old Trafford takes centre stage on Sunday afternoon as an in-form Manchester United side looks to cement its top-four status against a Crystal Palace team that has recently proven to be its “bogey” opponent.
The Red Devils enter this fixture with significant wind in their sails under interim manager Michael Carrick. Following a gritty 1–0 victory over Everton on Monday night, United have now won five and drawn one of Carrick’s six games in charge. This phenomenal run has propelled them to within three points of third place, making them the only Premier League side without a defeat since Boxing Day. However, Carrick faces a distinct tactical challenge this weekend against a side that has frequently disrupted the rhythm of the “Big Six” at the Theatre of Dreams.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, head north in a buoyant mood after securing their place in the Europa Conference League last 16 with a 2–0 midweek win over Zrinjski Mostar. Oliver Glasner’s men have undergone a mini-resurgence, winning two of their last three Premier League games, including a vital 1–0 victory over Wolves. While rumours regarding Glasner’s future continue to swirl, his players have found a clinical edge at the right time. The Eagles have a formidable recent record at Old Trafford and could make history as just the second London club to win three consecutive away league games against Manchester United.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Tony Harrington
- Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 1–2 Manchester United (30 Nov 2025), Premier League
Team News
Manchester United
Michael Carrick confirmed that Mason Mount is “getting closer” and is back on the grass, though Sunday may come too soon for a start. Matthijs de Ligt continues to struggle with a back issue and remains further behind in his recovery. The hosts are also without Lisandro Martínez (calf) and Patrick Dorgu (thigh). However, Benjamin Šeško is pushing for a start after scoring the winner against Everton, while Bryan Mbeumo is expected to be fit despite a minor knock in the same match.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles are boosted by the fitness of Maxence Lacroix, who overcame a groin injury to score in midweek. However, Oliver Glasner remains without several key senior figures. Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucouré are sidelined in midfield, while strikers Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta are also ruled out. Aston Villa loanee Evann Guessand is pushing for a starting role after influential performances off the bench.
Form
Manchester United
Under Carrick, United have reclaimed their home dominance, picking up 27 points in their last 12 league matches at Old Trafford. Most recently, they secured a narrow 1–0 win at Everton following a high-scoring 3–0 victory over Fulham. Notably, United have earned 22 points since Boxing Day, more than any other side in the division. Striker Benjamin Šeško has been the standout performer in 2026, averaging a goal every 37 minutes since the managerial change.
Crystal Palace
Palace arrive on the back of consecutive victories in all competitions, most recently defeating Zrinjski Mostar 2–0 on Thursday night. Prior to that, they edged past Wolves 1–0 to move clear of the immediate relegation danger. Notably, the Eagles have won four of their last six away league meetings with United, a record that stands in stark contrast to their first 22 visits to the stadium. However, they have struggled on the road against elite opposition recently, winning just two of their last 26 away games against top-six sides.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Crystal Palace Predicted XI: Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Strand Larsen
How to Watch Manchester United vs Crystal Palace?
The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 13:00 GMT.
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