Sat 9 May 2015, Selhurst Park
17:30
Kick-off
Kick-off
Referee: Michael Oliver
#CRYMUN
#CRYMUN
Match Preview
Manchester United will be without Michael Carrick for their final three matches of the season as the midfielder continues to struggle with a calf injury.
Carrick has not featured since picking up the problem in the 4-2 Barclays Premier League win over Manchester City on 12 April and will miss United's run-in, starting withthe trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday, with a top-four place not yet secure.
On Friday, Louis van Gaal confirmed that the injury was more serious than first thought, with the Dutchman also suggesting he will look to bolster his midfield when the transfer window reopens, having already added to his attack with the signing, subject to a medical, of PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay.
"Carrick is not available, it was more heavy than we thought," Van Gaal told MUTV. "We tried everything but now we have to think about next season. He shall not play any more this season, it's better now to focus for him on next season and being fit to start.
"When you see the stats, it's clear that he's very important but that's also because we have only right-sided holding midfielder.
"That's what I am saying already in the whole of the season, that our selection is not balanced, and I want to restore that in the next transfer period.
"The life is not ending at 34, but for a professional football player, it's close by. That's why I have to handle again in that position."
James McArthur says Palace have not taken their foot off the gas and will be looking forward to taking on United without any fear on Saturday.
Alan Pardew's side have fallen away in recent weeks, losing three matches in a row having won their previous four in succession.
United will target a win that will confirm a top-four finish if Liverpool lose to Chelsea on Sunday. Van Gaal’s side are on a three-match losing streak and have not had four league defeats a row since 1979.
"I think it's going to be very tough," McArthur told the club's website, cpfc.co.uk. "But we like these games.
"We like the games where there's no pressure on you, where you can go to Stamford Bridge, Manchester United can come here or you can go to Anfield with no fear.
"These are the games that make you want to play in the Premier League, competing with the best players in the world.
"We've got a belief in the changing room that we can get results, we've got that real, solid base and from that we've got so much pace, power, ability and we can hurt anyone in the forward areas.
"We need to do ourselves justice for the remainder of the season. We want to make it right after losing a few games.
"I think everyone on the outside has thought 'Crystal Palace have switched off, they're safe,' but it is not like that in the changing room.
"Everyone's been right at it this week, working so hard and looking forward to the remaining matches.
"It's not about spoiling parties, it's about doing ourselves justice and trying to get as many points on the board as possible. The club had 45 points last year, so we want to try and beat that. If we beat that, it shows there is real progression at the club."
Juan Mata scored the only goal as United claimed a 1-0 win in November's reverse fixture and Palace have not beaten this weekend's opponents at home since May 11, 1991.
Strikers Fraizer Campbell and Marouane Chamakh (both hamstring) are thought to be nearing a return from injury for Palace, as is winger Jerome Thomas (ankle), while United continue to sport a lengthy list of doubts.
Jonny Evans (knock), Rafael Da Silva (rib), Marcos Rojo (abdomen) and Luke Shaw (groin) were all missing for last weekend's 1-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion, while midfielder Michael Carrick has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Crystal Palace (from): Hennessey, Kettings, Speroni, Dann, Delaney, Hangeland, Kelly, Mariappa, Souare, Ward, Bolasie, Jedinak, Ledley, Lee, McArthur, Mutch, Puncheon, Thomas, Ameobi, Anderson, Campbell, Chamakh, Gayle, Sanogo, Zaha.
Manchester United (from): De Gea, Valdes, Lindegaard, Blackett, Evans, Jones, McNair, Rojo, Shaw, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Di Maria, Fellaini, Herrera, Januzaj, Mata, Pereira, Powell, Valencia, Young, Falcao, Rooney, Van Persie, Wilson.
Match Appointments
Referee: Michael Oliver Assistants: S Bennett, M McDonough Fourth Official: K Friend
Referee: Michael Oliver Assistants: S Bennett, M McDonough Fourth Official: K Friend
Match Facts
Manchester United have won 11 and lost none of the last 13 league meetings with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have won a league-high 18 points from losing positions in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Man Utd have failed to score in their last two away matches. They have only failed to score in three in a row once before in BPL history (April 2005).
United have lost three BPL matches in a row. They have not lost four consecutive league matches since February 1979.
Manchester United have won 11 and lost none of the last 13 league meetings with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have won a league-high 18 points from losing positions in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Man Utd have failed to score in their last two away matches. They have only failed to score in three in a row once before in BPL history (April 2005).
United have lost three BPL matches in a row. They have not lost four consecutive league matches since February 1979.
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