Tony Mogan
Published November 27, 2025 12:01pm
Updated November 27, 2025 12:57pm
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Palace welcome United to Selhurst Park this weekend (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester United face another stern test this weekend as they head to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
A run of five games undefeated came to a dismal end on Monday night as Ruben Amorim’s side were beaten at home by 10-man Everton in what was perhaps United’s worst display of the season.
Matheus Cunha missed the game after a 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 former Wolves star had been expected to lead United’s attack in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who is sidelined until mid-December with a knee injury.
Speaking ahead of the Everton game, Amorim was hopeful it was ‘nothing serious’ and will be desperate to have his summer signing available again. The United boss will speak to the media on Friday afternoon where he will deliver an update on the forward.
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Joshua Zirkzee started his first game of the season on Monday night with United’s attack looking disjoined and devoid of any real cutting edge against a resilient Everton defence. Getting Cunha back will be a top priority with Zirkzee doing little to justify another starting role in the team.
Cunha was badly missed against Everton (Picture: Getty)
Harry Maguire was another to miss the game against Everton as a result of a hamstring injury he picked up against Tottenham before the international break.
The former captain has not trained since and remains a doubt for the trip to south east London this weekend. Amorim does have Lisandro Martinez available again however with the Argentina international back among the subs on Monday night after recovering from his ACL injury.
Amad Diallo started in one of the two no10 positions against the Toffees but if Cunha is available, could return to his role on the right on Sunday.
Martinez was back on the bench on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
United will lose Amad and top scorer Bryan Mbeumo to the Africa Cup of Nations next month with the home game against Bournemouth on 15 December likely to be their last games before leaving Manchester.
Palace meanwhile have a tricky assignment on the road in the Europa Conference League to attend to first – away to Strasbourg on Thursday night.
It will be a quick turnaround but Oliver Glasner’s side will be confident of keeping United out – boasting the second best defensive record in the league this season behind Arsenal.
Man Utd XI vs Crystal Palace – Metro prediction
Cunha will surely return to the team if passed fit this week – Amorim utilised the Brazilian up top in the first three games of the season and again turned to him in tricky away games against Liverpool and Tottenham.
Mason Mount will also be hopeful of a starting role alongside Mbuemo.
Key battle: Adam Wharton vs Casemiro
Wharton is one of the most coveted midfielders in the Premier League with United among the clubs weighing up a summer move for the England international. His ability to set the tempo and pull the strings from deep is exactly what United’s midfield is missing.
Wharton is one of the midfielders United are eager to sign (Picture: Getty Images)
Casemiro has been one of United’s standout performers this season but will need help to stop Palace running through the middle 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 on Sunday 30 November with kick-off scheduled for 12pm.
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You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the Discovery+ app.
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