Injuries force Manchester United to adapt against Crystal Palace

Manchester United came into this game with a continuing great run of form. Having taken 26 points out of 30 in the Premier League since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over, they have closed the gap on fourth place to one point. The Red Devils have had a punishing injury report the past week, with 10 first-team players missing, but a game against Crystal Palace typically bodes well for United. Manchester United last lost in the league to Crystal Palace in May 1991, but Crystal Palace acquitted themselves well in the reverse fixture when they got the type of goalless draw that became indicative of Mourinho’s form against lower table teams.

Crystal Palace came into this game with the second fewest goals (nine) at home in the Premier League this season, only behind Huddersfield Town (six). However, Crystal Palace haven’t lost a game since 19 January against Liverpool (who are also the last team to beat Manchester United in the league), taking eight points out of 12. This form has taken them clear of the relegation zone.

With so many out injured, Manchester United were happy to secure all three points on their visit to south London. Even though they didn’t play particularly well, Manchester United won 3-1 against a Crystal Palace side that has played better of late. In this tactical analysis, we’ll look at United’s changes to deal with the injuries and how they were able to secure their record eighth straight away victory.

Lineups

Solskjaer made three changes from the side that held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw the previous weekend at Old Trafford. Switching from the 4-4-2 diamond that the Norwegian has used in all games against ‘big six’ opponents back to a 4-3-3, he was without his first-choice front three due to injuries.

With Juan Mata injured against Liverpool, and Marcus Rashford only fit enough for the bench, Alexis Sanchez got a start on the left side of the front three as Diogo Dalot started on the right. In the midfield three, Fred came in for Ander Herrera who was injured on Sunday against Liverpool. The accumulation of injuries meant that four members on the bench were age 23 or under.