Manchester United will probably be without Matheus Cunha after they tackle Crystal Palace within the Premier League this afternoon.
Cunha missed Monday’s dismal defeat to 10-man Everton following bizarre situation that unfolded last weekend.
The Brazil international was forced to miss an appearance switching on Christmas lights in Altrincham after a ‘training ground accident,’ later revealed to be a head injury.
The previous Wolves star had been expected to guide United’s attack within the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who’s sidelined until mid-December with a knee injury.
He was not noted of the squad that night and is not going to be involved at Selhurst Park this afternoon with Ruben Amorim hopeful he will probably be available on Thursday against West Ham United.
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Joshua Zirkzee began his first game of the season on Monday night with United’s attack looking disjoined and devoid of any real leading edge. While Zirkzee did little to justify one other starting role within the team, options elsewhere are limited.
Amorim could proceed with Zirkzee or may opt to maneuver Mason Mount right into a false nine role. Chido Obi, who mad eight senior appearances last season, can be an option.
Mount moving into a complicated position could potentially open up room within the team for Kobbie Mainoo, who remains to be waiting for his first league start this season. Amorim nonetheless has explained this season he views the England international as a substitute for Bruno Fernandes in a midfield two.
Harry Maguire was one other to miss the sport against Everton because of this of a hamstring injury he picked up against Tottenham before the international break.
The previous captain has not trained since and is one other who will probably be unavailable today. Amorim does have Lisandro Martinez available again nonetheless with the Argentina international back among the many subs on Monday night after recovering from his ACL injury.
United will lose Amad and top scorer Bryan Mbeumo to the Africa Cup of Nations next month with the house game against Bournemouth on 15 December prone to be their last games before leaving Manchester.
In an added headache, Amorim suggested on Friday that Sesko will probably be unavailable for longer than initially feared.
It means Amorim could now be without his first selection front three of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko until February.
Palace meanwhile had a tough project on the road within the Europa Conference League, losing away to Strasbourg on Thursday night.
It’s a quick turnaround but Oliver Glasner’s side will probably be confident of keeping United out – boasting the second best defensive record within the league this season behind Arsenal.
Man Utd XI vs Crystal Palace – Metro prediction
Cunha’s absence is a big blow. Given how poorly his side played against Everton, Amorim can surely not afford to go along with the identical front three he chosen against Everton.
Mount has been utilized in that false nine role by Amorim previously and will certainly be given the nod over 18-year-old Obi.
Who will win?
Key battle: Adam Wharton vs Casemiro
Wharton is one of the vital coveted midfielders within the Premier League with United among the many clubs weighing up a summer move for the England international. His ability to set the tempo and pull the strings from deep is strictly what United’s midfield is missing.
Casemiro has been certainly one of United’s standout performers this season but will need assistance to stop Palace running through the center of the park – and deny Wharton the space to operate.
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd kick-off time and live stream
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd takes place today (Sunday 30 November) with kick-off scheduled for 12pm.
You’ll be able to watch the match continue to exist TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the Discovery+ app.
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