Notable Statistics
Crystal Palace beat Man United 4-0 at home last season. Oliver Glasner now has the chance to become the ninth manager in Premier League history to win his first two games against Man United in the competition. The last to do so was Roberto De Zerbi with Brighton and Hove Albion 12 months ago.
United appeared to be in the midst of another crisis after losing two of their opening three games of the season. However, after the international break, the Red Devils settled down and won two straight games, 3-0 against Southampton in the Premier League, before thrashing third-tier Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Man Utd's underlying numbers this season actually tell a pretty positive story. Their expected goals (xG) of 7.9 is the third highest in the Premier League. However, they have only scored five goals, suggesting their ability to take their chances is questionable.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has had a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season. He has taken 13 shots in four games but has yet to score. With Rasmus Hojlund still out with injury, the Portuguese midfielder is one of the key players Ten Hag has to use in attack.
Defensively, Man United have kept clean sheets in 3/5 of their most recent Premier League games. In the previous round, goalkeeper Onana made an excellent penalty save at Southampton. However, in the last 2 games where they conceded goals, Ten Hag's team lost the match.
Crystal Palace are having a difficult start to the 2024-25 season. Last week's 2-2 draw with Leicester City made it four consecutive games without a win this season for the Eagles (two draws, two defeats). Palace had won six of their last seven games in the 2023-24 campaign.
Last time out, Mateta scored twice to help Crystal Palace avoid defeat against Leicester City. Since Glasner's first game in charge of Palace on 24 February 2024, only Erling Haaland (19 goals) has scored more Premier League goals than Mateta (15 goals in 17 games). During that time, the Frenchman has scored three braces and one hat-trick.
Eberechi Eze is another Palace attacking star. He has had 18 shots in the Premier League this season (three times as many as Mateta and Eddie Nketiah) but has only scored once. He also leads Palace in chances created (eight) but is yet to register an assist.
Head to head record
Last season, Crystal Palace beat Man United twice in the Premier League, this was the first time they had beaten the team in consecutive matches in the tournament.
Overall, the Eagles have a good record against Man United. They have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 10 meetings with the Red Devils. In their previous 20 meetings, Palace lost 16 and drew 4.
Man United have lost two of their last three away games against Palace, drawing the other. Before that, Man United were unbeaten in 13 games at Selhurst Park, winning nine and drawing four.
