Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Mainoo can shine again for Red Devils

Manchester United will look to make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (14:00).

United edged out Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend, while the Eagles were beaten at home by Brentford. Read on for my Manchester United vs Crystal Palace prediction, as well as the latest odds and team news.

Football Odds

Team News

Ruben Amorim has almost a fully-fit squad to choose from, but it's unclear who he prefers to lead the line between Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee with no goal between the pair in 2025.

Alejandro Garnacho impressed off the bench against FCSB on Thursday night, so he could be handed a starting role on Sunday. Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui all shook off knocks to feature at Craven Cottage  but Manuel Ugarte was forced off late on in that win, and it's unclear whether he'll be fit enough to feature this weekend.

Luke Shaw has returned to first-team training but Amorim has admitted that he's unsure when the left-back will return to the starting XI. Marcus Rashford remains out as his future at the club remains unclear, while Mason Mount continues to recover from injury.

As for Palace, Chadi Riad is out with a knee injury, although the news is more positive in regard Adam Wharton as the midfielder has resumed full training.

Joel Ward is a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford, along with Cheick Doucoure and Matheus Franca is also not expected to feature.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Odds

United are 6/5 to make it back-to-back wins in the league, giving them an implied win probability of 45.5%. with the draw 5/2 and Palace are 23/10 to win for a fourth time at Old Trafford in their last six visits.

Hojlund tops the anytime goalsc0rer market at 9/5, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is the shortest-priced for the visitors at 2/1.

First Half Goals - Under 0.5 @ 2/1

United have failed to score in the first half in 17 of their 23 league games this campaign, and a goalless opening 45 minutes against FCSB on Thursday night made it 13 games across all competitions where the Red Devils haven't scored a goal from open play before the interval.

In addition, Palace have been impress defensively recently, keeping four clean sheets in their last seven contests across all competitions, shipping just four goals. Nobody in the Premier League has conceded fewer goals over the last four matches, while only Brighton have shipped less shots in target.

I can see United taking a while to get going here too - they've failed to score in any of their last three Premier League games against the Eagles, who've won five of their last 11 league games against Amorim's side.

The Europa League hangover may also contribute to United being slow out of the blocks, while Palace will want to keep things tight at the back for as long as possible, so I'm backing under 0.5 first half goals.

Kobbie Mainoo to assist a goal - yes @ 8/1

After a tactical tweak from Amorim on Thursday night, Kobbie Mainoo may have found his position in the United gaffer's system.

The 19-year-old recorded a goal and an assist in United's 2-0 win over FCSB in the Europa League, having started in a more advanced role behind the striker, and the England international seemed to thrive, with Amorim even hinting after the game that Mainoo's long-term future at the club may come in that position.

If deployed in a similar role on Sunday, then I think Mainoo can turn provider once again for his teammates as the 'number 10' role in Amorim's system suits him given his technical ability and link-up play.

Offers

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