United boss Jose Mourinho has already explicitly stated that his priorities lie with winning the Europa League, and that was evident during Wednesday night’s drab 0-0 draw at Southampton. Palace, meanwhile, are obviously mathematically safe from relegation and can play with a sense of freedom, knowing that a lot of sides close to them in the table having frustrated United at Old Trafford this season.
Mourinho is likely to rest key players such as Marcus Rashford for this game as he does not want to risk a major injury concern disrupting his plans for the Europa League final in Stockholm. With that game firmly weighing on the United players’ minds, do not expect the Red Devils to come out all guns blazing against the Eagles, one year to the day after Louis van Gaal’s side beat Alan Pardew’s men 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
However, Palace have a miserable record against United in the Premier League – they haven’t managed to win a single game. In fact, United have all seven of the previous encounters at Old Trafford, but their home form has been far from that of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, meaning that Palace clinching three points is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility. United are currently 1/2 to end their league campaign with a victory here, while Palace are 5/1 with Bet365.
The likely outcome is a draw, if you really look at it. United have drawn no fewer than ten games at home this season, with a lot of 0-0 and 1-1 draws causing Mourinho’s side the chance of finishing in the top-four. With no great sense of motivation going into this game seeing that they can’t finish any higher or lower than sixth, it’s difficult seeing them opening up the floodgates when it’s too little, too late.
We’re going to say that a draw at 29/10 is a smart move, while we would avoid backing both teams to score, particularly considering that the Eagles have failed to do so in three of their last four games. Yes, they scored four to relegate Hull last week, but United’s defence is a much sturdier proposition for Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha to contend with. Palace did record a shock victory at Anfield against Liverpool last month but they also conceded five on their last trip to Manchester, losing 5-0 to City just two weeks ago.
There is a slim chance that this could be Wayne Rooney’s last game for United – despite him stating that he wants to stay next season – so backing him as first goal-scorer at 5/1 might be a decent shout, if the striker is in the mood to add one more to his record-breaking haul for the club.
