As Manchester United prepare to host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026, both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns that could shape the outcome of this Premier League encounter. Drawing from the latest official press conferences and reliable sources, here’s a breakdown of the confirmed team news.

Manchester United Team News

For Manchester United, head coach Michael Carrick provided a detailed update during his pre-match press conference on February 27, 2026. Carrick confirmed that Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt remains sidelined with a persistent back injury, which has kept him out for nearly three months and 15 games.

“Matthijs has had a back issue which has been a bit slow to progress,”

Michael Carrick

He also emphasized that De Ligt is “definitely improving,” there is no specific timeline for his return. Similarly, midfielder Mason Mount is nearing a comeback after missing the last four matches but might not feature against Palace, as Carrick noted he is “getting closer” and could return to the squad next week. Full-back Patrick Dorgu is also ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in January’s win over Arsenal, with a potential return in April. Adding to the concerns, Lisandro Martinez is a major doubt after missing the recent 1-0 victory over Everton with a calf problem. Carrick told MUTV that he doesn’t expect Martinez to be out long-term but described it as “a matter of days,” leaving his availability for Sunday uncertain.

Manchester United Carrick’s Options

These absences have forced Carrick to rely on a makeshift defense, with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro likely to continue at center-back. Despite the setbacks, Carrick remains optimistic, highlighting the squad’s depth. From the official Manchester United website, Carrick also mentioned that Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is progressing well, but no risks will be taken. Overall, United’s injury list includes four key players definitely out (De Ligt, Mount, Dorgu) and one late fitness test (Martinez), which could impact their defensive solidity.

Crystal Palace Team News

On the Crystal Palace side, manager Oliver Glasner faces even more challenges, with several attacking and midfield options unavailable. In his press conference ahead of the match, Glasner confirmed that striker Eddie Nketiah is out with a thigh injury setback, expecting him back in training by late March but not on the pitch until April. French forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is sidelined with a knee issue that doesn’t require surgery but will keep him out until after the international break. Midfielder Cheick Doucoure remains a long-term absentee due to a knee injury, with Glasner noting there’s “still a long way to go” for his recovery. Additionally, Jefferson Lerma is out with a hamstring problem. Glasner provided a positive update on defender Maxence Lacroix, who is fit enough after a recent knock, but the overall picture is grim for Palace’s attacking depth.

These injuries leave Palace without key goal threats like Mateta (who has contributed significantly in past seasons) and Nketiah, forcing reliance on players like Ismaila Sarr and Yeremy Pino. Glasner acknowledged the difficulties, stating in his presser that the team must focus on “belief” despite the absences. For casual fans, this means Palace’s attack could be blunt, while informed readers will note how these absences exacerbate their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded 32 goals this season.

United’s Unbeaten Streak: Form Guide and Key Stats

Manchester United enter this fixture on a remarkable unbeaten run in the Premier League, stretching back to Boxing Day 2025. Since their last defeat on December 26, 2025, against Newcastle (a 1-0 loss), United have gone 10 games without a loss, accumulating 24 points from a possible 30 – the best haul in the league over that period. This includes six wins and four draws, with an average of 1.7 goals scored per game and just 0.9 conceded. Their points per game (PPG) stands at 2.4, underscoring a resurgence under Carrick.

Key statistics highlight Manchester United’s efficiency: They’ve generated an expected goals (xG) of 1.95 per home game, converting that into actual goals at a rate slightly below but supported by strong possession (50.8%) and shot creation (14.7 attempts per match). Defensively, they’ve been solid, facing only 10.6 shots per game and keeping clean sheets in three of their last five outings. This form has propelled them to fourth in the table with 48 points from 27 games, boasting a +11 goal difference.

In contrast, Crystal Palace sit 13th with 35 points from 27 matches, having won nine, drawn eight, and lost 10. Their recent form is mixed: a 1-0 home win over Wolves on February 22 provided relief, but they’ve struggled for consistency, averaging 1.07 goals per game overall. Away from home, Palace have been better, winning six of 13 (46% win rate), but their PPG drops to 1.46 on the road. They’ve conceded 1.3 goals per away match, with an xGA (expected goals against) of 1.43, indicating defensive frailties.

For fans, United’s streak means momentum is on their side; for analysts, the data suggests a high chance of extending it against a mid-table Palace.

Head-to-Head History: Red Devils Dominate Eagles

Historically, Manchester United hold a commanding edge over Crystal Palace. In 69 meetings across all competitions, United have 42 wins, Palace 13, and 14 draws. In the Premier League specifically, United lead with 20 wins to Palace’s six, plus seven draws in 31 encounters.

Recent meetings favor United: They won 2-1 at Selhurst Park in November 2025, with an xG of 1.46 to Palace’s lower output, showcasing their efficiency. Palace did achieve a league double last season (2024-25), winning 1-0 at Old Trafford and 4-0 at home, but that’s an outlier Manchester United have won four of the last six overall. At Old Trafford, United are unbeaten in their last 10 home games against Palace, with eight wins and two draws, averaging 2.1 goals scored.

Palace’s away record this season is respectable (six wins), but against top teams, they’ve struggled, losing to Arsenal and City. Win percentages: Manchester United have a 61% historical win rate in this fixture, rising to 80% at home. This history points to a United advantage, though Palace’s occasional upsets add intrigue.

Tactical Breakdown: How United Can Exploit Palace’s Defense

Manchester United’s tactical strengths under Carrick revolve around a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession and quick transitions. Recent lineups feature Senne Lammens in goal, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw at full-back, Yoro and Maguire centrally, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, Bruno Fernandes as the No. 10, and attackers like Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo supporting striker Benjamin Sesko. Sesko, with goals every 28 minutes off the bench recently, is likely to start, boosting their attack (1.78 goals per game).

Palace’s weaknesses are glaring: Injuries to Mateta, Nketiah, and Doucoure leave them short in attack and midfield, forcing a defensive setup. They’ve conceded 32 goals this season (1.19 per game), with an xGA of 1.34 overall and 1.43 away. Their defensive vulnerabilities include poor pressing (mid-table in recoveries) and susceptibility to set-pieces, where United excel (0.98 xG from dead balls in recent games).

Manchester United can exploit this by targeting Palace’s flanks, Shaw and Dalot average 3.7 crosses per game – and using Fernandes’ creativity (key passes: 2.5 per match). Palace’s 37% clean sheet rate away drops against top sides, so expect United to create big chances (they average nearly two per game). Tactically, United’s 53% possession will dominate, leading to a win probability of 65% based on form and stats.

Race for Top Four: Can United Leapfrog Villa?

Aston Villa’s recent 2-0 loss to Wolves has opened the door for United to climb to third. Currently, Villa sit third with 51 points from 28 games (+8 GD), while United have 48 points from 27 (+11 GD). A win would take United to 51 points after 28 games, tying Villa but surpassing them on goal difference.

The top-four race is tight: Arsenal lead with 61 (28 games), City 56 (27), Villa 51 (28), United 48 (27), Chelsea 45 (27). United’s superior GD (+11 vs. Villa’s +8) and form (2.4 PPG last 10) position them well. Implications: Third place guarantees Champions League group stage entry, worth millions in revenue. With City playing Leeds next, Manchester United could close the gap to second if results align.

Palace, at 13th, are safe from relegation (35 points) but lack motivation, making this an ideal opportunity for United to capitalize.

Match Prediction: Will United Capitalize on Villa’s Slip?

Yes, Manchester United are poised to capitalize on Villa’s slip and climb to third with a win over Crystal Palace. Trends support this: Manchester United’s unbeaten streak, home form (3.2 PPG at Old Trafford), and Palace’s injuries tilt the scales. Predictive data shows United with a 65% win chance, expected goals around 2.0 vs. Palace’s 1.0. Squad availability favors United despite absences, while Palace’s defensive xGA (1.43 away) suggests vulnerability.

We expect a Manchester United victory. This would secure third, boosting morale in the top-four race.