Attention in the football world has recently turned towards Manchester United, with discussions revolving around Ruben Amorim's strained relationship with Marcus Rashford and the looming transfer deadline. However, before any transfer news unfolds, the Red Devils are set to face Crystal Palace this Sunday morning at Old Trafford. Despite internal tensions, United has managed to regain some stability in recent matches, securing a modest record of two wins, one draw, and one loss in January. This turnaround comes after a challenging December where the team suffered five defeats in six games.

The Eagles from Crystal Palace have also experienced a mixed run of form. Until last weekend’s loss to Brentford, they had been enjoying an unbeaten streak spanning five games. The defeat not only snapped their winning streak but also saw them drop below United in the league standings. Notably, it marked the first time since December 21 that Crystal Palace conceded more than one goal in a Premier League match. Additionally, Jean-Philippe Mateta's scoring drought over the past four games adds another layer of concern for the visitors.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, several key players will be missing due to injuries. For Manchester United, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans are sidelined, while Crystal Palace faces its own lineup challenges with Adam Wharton, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Joel Ward, and Matheus Franca all out of action. Despite these setbacks, the match promises to be competitive, with predictions suggesting Crystal Palace might edge out a narrow victory, thanks to Mateta’s potential return to form. This clash serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required in professional sports, highlighting the importance of unity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.