Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Manchester United will likely defeat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026, as the Red Devils maintain their unbeaten Premier League run since Boxing Day with superior home form and Benjamin Sesko’s attacking threat against a Palace side missing key players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jefferson Lerma.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League – Gameweek 28 |
| Date | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:30 PM GMT (2:00 PM local) |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Current Form | Man Utd: WDWWW / Crystal Palace: WDLWW |
| Last Meeting | Crystal Palace 1-2 Man Utd (November 30, 2025) |
Key Facts
- Manchester United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 27 matches, maintaining an unbeaten league run since Boxing Day.
- Crystal Palace occupy 13th position with 35 points from 27 games, having won their last two matches across all competitions.
- The Red Devils have taken 16 points from the last 18 available in the Premier League, the best form of any team over the past six gameweeks.
- Michael Carrick has overseen three consecutive home victories for Manchester United, scoring multiple goals in each match.
- Crystal Palace secured their Conference League Round of 16 spot with a 2-0 victory over Zrinjski Mostar on February 27, 2026.
- Benjamin Sesko has scored seven Premier League goals this season, with five coming in his last six league appearances.
- Oliver Glasner’s position at Crystal Palace remains uncertain despite recent improved results.
- Manchester United have not lost a Premier League match since December 26, 2025.
- Crystal Palace have won their last two visits to Old Trafford and could become the first London club to win three consecutive Premier League matches at the venue.
On This Page
Team News and Injuries
Manchester United Injuries
Confirmed Absences:
- Lisandro Martinez (calf injury) – expected to remain sidelined
- Mason Mount (unspecified) – nearing return but unavailable
- Patrick Dorgu (thigh injury) – no timeframe for return
- Matthijs de Ligt (back injury) – no timeframe for return
Fitness Concerns:
- Bryan Mbeumo walked off gingerly against Everton but is not believed to have suffered a serious issue and should be available
Crystal Palace Injuries
Confirmed Absences:
- Jefferson Lerma (hamstring)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee)
- Cheick Doucoure (knee)
- Eddie Nketiah (thigh)
Positive News:
- Maxence Lacroix overcame a groin issue to start and score against Zrinjski Mostar
- No new injury concerns from the Conference League fixture
Predicted Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Lineups and Formation
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Lammens
Defense: Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw
Midfield: Casemiro, Mainoo
Attack: Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha
Striker: Sesko
Benjamin Sesko has scored five non-penalty goals in 2026, more than any other Premier League player, and may displace Amad Diallo from the starting lineup after his impact off the bench against Everton.
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Henderson
Defense: Canvot, Richards, Lacroix, Mitchell
Midfield: Wharton, Hughes
Wings: Munoz, Sarr
Attacking Midfielder: Guessand
Striker: Strand Larsen
Evann Guessand has scored in consecutive appearances off the bench and could earn his first start after impressing against both Wolves and Zrinjski.
Tactical Analysis
Michael Carrick has transformed Manchester United’s approach since taking interim charge.
The team displays greater defensive solidity while maintaining attacking threat through quick transitions.
Casemiro and Mainoo provide the midfield foundation, allowing Bruno Fernandes freedom to create chances for the in-form Sesko.
Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner employ a possession-based system that relies on wing play and quick combinations in the final third.
The absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta removes their primary target man, forcing tactical adjustments that emphasize movement and interchanging positions.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent history between these sides shows competitive encounters:
- November 30, 2025: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
- February 2, 2025: Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- September 21, 2024: Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United (Premier League)
- May 7, 2024: Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United (Premier League)
- September 30, 2023: Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
Crystal Palace have won their last two Premier League visits to Old Trafford, creating an intriguing historical context for this encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester United
Benjamin Sesko
The Slovenian striker has found remarkable form under Carrick, scoring seven Premier League goals this season with five coming in his last six appearances.
His physical presence and clinical finishing make him the focal point of United’s attack.
Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese midfielder orchestrates everything creative for the Red Devils. His vision and passing range remain crucial to breaking down organized defenses.
Crystal Palace
Evann Guessand
The Aston Villa loanee has scored in consecutive substitute appearances and brings energy and directness to Palace’s attack. His recent form suggests he could cause problems for United’s defense.
Maxence Lacroix
The defender overcame injury concerns to score against Zrinjski and provides both defensive stability and attacking threat from set pieces.
Statistical Analysis
Manchester United have scored in seven consecutive Premier League matches and have kept three clean sheets in their last five home games.
The team averages 1.78 goals per game this season while conceding 1.37 per match.
Crystal Palace have both scored and conceded in seven of their last eight away matches.
The Eagles average 1.07 goals per game while conceding 1.19 per match in the Premier League this season.
Where to Watch Live?
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK, NOW, Sky Ultra HD, BBC Radio 5 Live (audio)
United States: Telemundo, NBCSN, Peacock, SiriusXM FC (audio)
India: Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1, JioHotstar
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
Germany: Sky Sport Premier League, Sky Sport Top Event, Sky Go, WOW
Spain: DAZN Spain, DAZN1 Spain, Movistar+
Italy: Sky Sport Calcio, SKY Go Italia, NOW TV
France: Canal+ Foot, myCANAL, Canal+ Live 1
Current Standings Analysis
Manchester United hold fourth place with 48 points from 27 matches (13 wins, 9 draws, 5 losses), maintaining a three-point cushion over both Chelsea and Liverpool.
The Red Devils trail third-placed Aston Villa by just three points, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes firmly in their control.
Crystal Palace sit in 13th position with 35 points from 27 matches (9 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses).
The Eagles have climbed away from relegation concerns but remain in mid-table mediocrity, seeking consistency to push toward the top half.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Manchester United enter this fixture with superior form and home advantage.
The Red Devils have not lost a Premier League match since Boxing Day and have won three consecutive home games while scoring multiple goals in each.
Crystal Palace showed improvement with victories over Wolves and Zrinjski, but both opponents presented limited challenges.
Facing a rejuvenated Manchester United side at Old Trafford represents a significantly sterner test.
The absence of key players like Mateta, Lerma, and Doucoure weakens Palace’s options, while United welcome back Bryan Mbeumo and can call upon in-form striker Sesko.
Expected Result: Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace
The hosts should maintain their unbeaten run and secure three points that keep them firmly in the Champions League qualification race.
Palace’s recent away record suggests they will struggle to contain United’s attacking threats, particularly Sesko and Fernandes.
Michael Carrick continues to strengthen his case for the permanent Manchester United position, though Oliver Glasner remains linked with the role despite his uncertain future at Crystal Palace.
The Austrian manager’s recent press conferences have fueled speculation about his departure from Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace’s Conference League progress provides a welcome distraction from domestic inconsistency, but the fixture congestion could impact their Premier League performances.
Manchester United face no European commitments, allowing full focus on securing Champions League qualification through league position.
The match represents more than three points for both managers—Carrick seeks to prove his credentials for the permanent role, while Glasner potentially auditions for the position he might soon occupy.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Live?
Fans can watch Manchester United vs Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, Peacock and NBCSN in the USA, Star Sports Select HD1 and JioHotstar in India, and DAZN Canada in Canada on March 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM GMT.
Who Will Win Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Match?
Manchester United will likely win against Crystal Palace based on their unbeaten Premier League record since Boxing Day, superior home form with three consecutive victories at Old Trafford, and Benjamin Sesko’s five goals in six recent league appearances compared to Palace’s inconsistent away record with only one win in their last eight road matches.
What is Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Match Kick-Off Time?
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 7:30 PM GMT (2:00 PM local time) on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Old Trafford for Premier League Gameweek 28.
Are There Any Injuries in Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Match?
Manchester United will miss Lisandro Martinez (calf), Patrick Dorgu (thigh), Matthijs de Ligt (back), and Mason Mount, while Crystal Palace cannot field Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), and Eddie Nketiah (thigh) for the March 1, 2026 fixture at Old Trafford.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Match?
Manchester United will likely beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026, as the Red Devils have scored multiple goals in their last three home victories under Michael Carrick while Palace struggle away from home with both scoring and conceding in seven of their last eight road matches.
Crystal Palace Standing with Points?
Crystal Palace currently sit in 13th position in the Premier League table with 35 points from 27 matches (9 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses) with a goal difference of -3 after their recent 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 22, 2026.
Manchester United Standing With Points?
Manchester United occupy 4th position in the Premier League table with 48 points from 27 matches (13 wins, 9 draws, 5 losses) with a goal difference of +11, sitting three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.