Carrick to make 1 big change vs Crystal Palace as £66.3m Man Utd star returns
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick could make one big change to the starting line-up for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways on Monday night with a 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Benjamin Sesko stole the headlines with his 71st-minute winner.
Senne Lammens was also brilliant between the sticks and bagged the man of the match.
The club’s focus will now turn to Sunday’s league clash against the Eagles at home. Oliver Glasner’s side have been a bogey club for the Red Devils, with just four points gained from the last five meetings.
The Red Devils’ only win in that period came in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park this season, and they will be aiming to do the league double over the FA Cup holders in three days’ time.
Ahead of the game, we anticipate Carrick to make at least one change to the starting XI. Amad Diallo could drop to the bench for Sesko’s first start under the 44-year-old’s tutelage.
Sesko has been in superb form for the Mancunian giants this year, scoring six goals in his last seven appearances. This has included strikes against Fulham, West Ham United and Everton as a substitute.
Those three cameo displays have helped United to secure five additional points, and it seems the right time for Carrick to unleash Sesko in the number nine position, right from the off.
Bryan Mbeumo has played as the regular makeshift number nine for the Red Devils, and we believe the Cameroonian should slot on the right wing for Sesko to be reinstated in the starting XI.
Diallo looks poised to be dropped after another underwhelming display. The Ivorian won just three out of eight duels at Everton and was guilty of losing possession on 11 occasions in 58 minutes.
Sesko, who was signed for an initial £66.3 million from RB Leipzig, has been pushing for a starting berth for a while, and Carrick could finally start him upfront against the Eagles on Sunday.
There may not be any more changes. Lisandro Martinez could return to training after a minor calf problem but may not be rushed. Leny Yoro looks likely to continue in central defence.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .