Fancy yourselves as a defender and live in the south London area? Get yourself down to Selhurst Park and you might get a game for Manchester United, who find themselves horribly short of numbers at the back.
Say what you will about Harry Maguire, but he at least provide a minimum level of competency as a Premier League defender and is one of United’s more spirited players, as well as being an aerial threat in both boxes. Losing Maguire to a muscle injury, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw already on the sidelines, is a major blow. Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay are also doubts for Erik ten Hag’s team.
It’s quite something when bookmakers have United priced as big as 9/4 for a game against Palace, but that also reflects the feelgood factor around the London club since the appointment of Oliver Glasner. Palace are unbeaten since losing to Manchester City, a run which has featured impressive wins over West Ham, Liverpool and Newcastle. Glasner has made a strong impression, but Palace also have Marc Geuhi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze fit again. Just as under Roy Hodgson, they are a different proposition with that trio available. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is in sensational form with eight goals in 10 league games.
Guehi has been linked with a summer move away from Selhurst Park, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool touted as potential destinations. Glasner, though, remains relaxed over any transfer speculation.
“I am always optimistic because all these players have contracts with Crystal Palace,” he said.
“It is May and many situations can change, so nothing is 100 per cent.
”(Marc) is under contract, he’s a good player, he’s our captain, so I am very positive and confident that he plays for Crystal Palace (next season).”
Full team news on the way shortly.
