How Man Utd could line-up against Crystal Palace

8:00am on Saturday 19th September 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Manchester United's first game of the 2020/21 Premier League season is against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.

While the season proper began last weekend, both Man Utd and Man City were given an additional break due to their commitments in the latter stages of the Europa League and Champions League respectively.

It hasn't been an easy summer at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer struggling to land his main transfer target, Jadon Sancho.

They recruited Donny van de Beek from Ajax, but apart from the Dutchman we can expect a recognisable starting XI from the Norwegian boss.

Solskjaer has also had to contend with Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood's off-field exploits but it's unlikely to impact either's involvement in the contest.

The only physical doubt for United is Paul Pogba, who missed some training sessions due to contracting Covid-19, and it remains doubtful as to whether Solskjaer believes the Frenchman is fit enough to feature in the starting line-up or off the bench.

One of the most interesting selection headaches the United boss will have is whether to select David De Gea or Dean Henderson in goal. He has constantly defended the performances of the Spaniard over the past year, so expect him to keep the faith for now though Henderson's return from Sheffield United after a successful loan spell suggests he expected to compete for the #1 jersey.

In a recent friendly loss against Aston Villa, De Gea, Greenwood, Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Anthony Martial didn't feature. However, none of these players have any injury concerns and it is more fitness levels that present some questions for Solskjaer.

Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are certain absentees.