Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Match Preview
Selhurst Park sets the stage for a compelling Premier League showdown this Sunday as Crystal Palace host Manchester United. The Eagles, flying high in 5th place, have turned their South London home into a fortress, remaining unbeaten there recently. Oliver Glasner’s men will be looking to bounce back from a narrow Conference League defeat to Strasbourg and continue their push for European qualification.
For Manchester United, the pressure is mounting on Ruben Amorim. Sitting in 10th place and fresh off a morale-sapping 1-0 home loss to Everton, the Red Devils are desperate for consistency. With a recent history of struggling against Palace—including a 4-0 drubbing in this fixture last year—United need a statement performance to silence the critics and bridge the gap to the top four.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
- Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 13)
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London (Capacity: 25,486)
- Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
- Kickoff Time: 14:00 GMT / 19:30 IST
- Referee: Robert Jones
- VAR: TBC
- TV Channel (UK): Sky Sports Premier League / Main Event
- TV Channel (India): Star Sports Select 1, Disney+ Hotstar
- Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), JioStar (India)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Crystal Palace:
- Position: 5th in Premier League (20 Points).
- Form: Strong. Despite a midweek stumble in Europe (1-2 vs Strasbourg), their league form is impressive, with recent wins over Wolves (2-0) and Brentford (2-0).
- Current Challenge: Managing fatigue. Palace played in France on Thursday night and now face a high-intensity Premier League clash less than 72 hours later.
Manchester United:
- Position: 10th in Premier League (18 Points).
- Form: Inconsistent. The “Amorim Revolution” has hit a speed bump with a draw against Spurs and a shock loss to Everton. They have conceded 19 goals in 12 games, highlighting defensive frailties.
- Current Challenge: Breaking the “Selhurst Voodoo.” United have failed to win their last four league meetings against Palace, failing to score in three of them.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — What’s at Stake
For Crystal Palace:
- Champions League Chase: A win would solidify their position in the top 5 and prove they are genuine contenders for Champions League football, moving them 5 points clear of United.
For Manchester United:
- Crisis Aversion: Losing to Everton and then Palace in the same week would be disastrous. Amorim needs a win to restore faith and stop the season from drifting into mediocrity.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Team Form
Crystal Palace (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Strasbourg (1-2 – UECL)
- W vs Wolves (2-0)
- D vs Brighton (0-0)
- W vs AZ Alkmaar (3-1 – UECL)
- W vs Brentford (2-0)
Manchester United (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Everton (0-1)
- D vs Tottenham (2-2)
- D vs Nottingham Forest (2-2)
- W vs Brighton (4-2)
- W vs Liverpool (2-1)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Team News
Crystal Palace:
- Borna Sosa: Out (Knock – Confirmed absent).
- Adam Wharton: Available. The midfield lynchpin returns to the starting XI after being rested/benched mid-week, facing the club reportedly interested in signing him.
- Will Hughes: Doubtful (Knee). Likely to be replaced by Wharton.
- Tyrick Mitchell: Expected to start at left wing-back in Sosa’s absence.
Manchester United:
- Matheus Cunha: Out (Health Problems – Confirmed absent). A huge blow to United’s attack as the Brazilian has been a key creative spark.
- Harry Maguire: Doubtful (Thigh). Unlikely to feature.
- Benjamin Sesko: Out (Knee).
- Defensive Boost: Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt are fit and expected to anchor the backline.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Head to Head
- 02 Feb 2025: Man Utd 0–2 Crystal Palace
- 21 Sep 2024: Crystal Palace 0–0 Man Utd
- 06 May 2024: Crystal Palace 4–0 Man Utd
- 30 Sep 2023: Man Utd 0–1 Crystal Palace
- 26 Sep 2023: Man Utd 3–0 Crystal Palace (EFL Cup)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1):
Glasner welcomes back his strongest XI after mid-week rotation.
- GK: Dean Henderson
- CB: Maxence Lacroix
- CB: Marc Guéhi (C)
- CB: Chris Richards
- RWB: Daniel Muñoz
- CM: Adam Wharton
- CM: Daichi Kamada
- LWB: Tyrick Mitchell
- RW: Ismaïla Sarr
- LW: Yéremy Pino
- ST: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Manchester United (3-4-2-1):
Amorim is forced to reshuffle his attack without Cunha. Mason Mount could get the nod in the #10 role.
- GK: Senne Lammens
- CB: Leny Yoro
- CB: Matthijs de Ligt
- CB: Luke Shaw
- RWB: Noussair Mazraoui
- CM: Casemiro
- CM: Bruno Fernandes (C)
- LWB: Diogo Dalot
- CAM: Amad Diallo
- CAM: Mason Mount
- ST: Bryan Mbeumo
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Impact Bench Options
Crystal Palace:
- Eberechi Eze: If fit enough for the bench, he is the ultimate wildcard. Even 20 minutes of Eze can unlock a game.
- Eddie Nketiah: Offers pace and finishing if Mateta tires against United’s physical defense.
Manchester United:
- Joshua Zirkzee: Has struggled for goals but offers a different focal point if United need to go long.
- Kobbie Mainoo: Can provide control and energy in midfield if Casemiro begins to fade.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Tactical Outlook
Crystal Palace:
- Playing Style: Organized Chaos. Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 relies on intense pressing triggers. They will look to swarm Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. With Muñoz and Mitchell pushing high, they will target the space behind United’s wing-backs.
- Weakness: Fatigue. The Thursday-Sunday turnaround is brutal. If United move the ball quickly in the first 30 minutes, Palace’s press might lose its snap.
Manchester United:
- Playing Style: Amorim-Ball (Work in Progress). United try to play out from the back but often get caught in possession. Without Cunha, they lose their main link between midfield and attack. They will likely rely on Mbeumo’s pace in transition and set-pieces.
- Strength: Individual Brilliance. Even when playing poorly, players like Bruno Fernandes can conjure a goal out of nothing.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Daniel Muñoz vs. Diogo Dalot | Engine Duel: Two of the most energetic wing-backs in the league. Muñoz is in great form; Dalot has been inconsistent defensively. | Crystal Palace |
| Adam Wharton vs. Bruno Fernandes | The Apprentice vs. The Master: Wharton has been brilliant at breaking up play. If he silences Bruno, United have no creative outlet. | Tie |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta vs. Matthijs de Ligt | Physical War: Mateta bullied United’s defense last season. De Ligt loves a physical battle, but Mateta’s hold-up play is elite right now. | Crystal Palace |
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Spotlight Players
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace):
The French striker loves playing against Manchester United. His physicality and ability to bring others into play make him the perfect focal point for Glasner’s system. If he dominates the aerial duels, Palace will win.
Mason Mount (Manchester United):
With Cunha out, Mount has a massive opportunity. He needs to provide the energy and link-up play that United were missing against Everton. This is his chance to prove he belongs in Amorim’s starting XI.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Fan Reactions
Crystal Palace Fans:
“We battered them 4-0 last time. Same again, please!”
“Wharton is going to show United exactly what they are missing. Selhurst will be rocking.”
Man Utd Fans:
“No Cunha is a disaster. Who is going to create chances?”
“If we lose to Palace again, Amorim is going to feel the heat. We need a reaction.”
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Match-Defining Factors
- Selhurst Park Atmosphere: It is one of the most hostile grounds for big teams. If Palace start fast, the crowd will suffocate United.
- United’s Defensive Shape: Conceding 19 goals suggests a structural issue. Against Palace’s fluid front three (Sarr, Pino, Mateta), any lapse in concentration will be punished.
- The “Wharton” Factor: Playing against the team that wants to buy him, Adam Wharton will be extra motivated to control the midfield.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Prediction
Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 2–1 Manchester United
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Crystal Palace to Win.
- Both Teams to Score: YES (United’s defense is leaky, but they usually find a goal).
- Total Cards: Over 4.5 Cards (Ref Robert Jones averages high cards; this will be a physical battle).
Analysis: Crystal Palace are a well-oiled machine at home, while Manchester United are a collection of talented individuals struggling for cohesion. Without Cunha, United lose a vital spark. Expect Palace’s intensity and the Selhurst Park crowd to be the difference in a tight, physical encounter.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — Final Word
Crystal Palace have firmly established themselves as a team that fears no one, especially at home. Manchester United, battered by injuries and poor form, are walking into a trap. Unless Bruno Fernandes produces a masterclass, the Eagles look set to continue their dominance over the Red Devils and keep their Champions League dream alive.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United — FAQs
When is the Crystal Palace vs Man Utd match?
The match kicks off on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at 14:00 GMT (19:30 IST).
Is Matheus Cunha playing?
No, Matheus Cunha is ruled out with health problems.
Who is the referee?
Robert Jones will officiate the match.
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can watch live on Star Sports Select 1 and stream on Disney+ Hotstar or JioStar.
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