Manchester United predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace: Will Louis van Gaal pull the plug on Wayne Rooney?

Manchester United travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday, desperate to end a bad week on a high note.

The Red Devils were stunned in midweek when they crashed out of the Capital One Cup on penalties, and Louis van Gaal may well ring the changes in order to get his side back on the winning track.

SEE ALSO:
Best footballer for each age group 18-38, with Ronaldo & Messi joining Chelsea & Man Utd stars plus Liverpool legend
Manchester United & Liverpool best Premier League combined XI, with Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs & more
Manchester United transfer news

The two sides meet at 1500 GMT on Sunday at Selhurst Park. Will Alan Pardew’s side manage to secure another big victory over one of the division’s giants, or will United put their troubles behind them?

Click through for our predicted XI.

GK: David de Gea

Following Sergio Romero’s muddled performance against Boro, De Gea will return to the backline and ensure that United build their approach upon a bedrock of solidity and consistency.

DR: Matteo Darmian

Improved against Boro as the game wore on, and increasingly sought to press forward and provide an attacking threat. LVG will be keen for more of the same against the Eagles.

DL: Marcos Rojo

Can’t offer the same offensive threat as Luke Shaw, but should just keep his place ahead of Ashley Young.


 

DC: Chris Smalling

Tested against Boro, but hasn’t come in for criticism…unlike some of his teammates.

DC: Phil Jones

Should replace Daley Blind, who had a few worrying moments in midweek.

MC: Morgan Schneiderlin

Quietly effective in a reserved role against City, Schneiderlin should take his place in the heart of the park once again, having been overlooked against Middlesbrough.

MC: Michael Carrick

Expect LVG to trust the 34-year-old once again, and Carrick was solid-without being spectacular-against Boro.


AMR: Juan Mata

Lacks the pace needed to stretch Palace, but his passing ability and creativity could well test a defence that will look to bed in and retain its shape.

AML: Ashley Young

Could, of course, be included as a left back, but may yet get the nod in an offensive role on the flank.

AMC: Wayne Rooney

The fall guy against Boro following his underwhelming penalty, but that error masked the fact that Rooney did contribute drive and movement after entering the field of play as a replacement for James Wilson.

FC: Anthony Martial

Was peripheral against Boro after coming on in a wide role, and should expect to be played down the middle again against Palace. Pardew’s side will likely remain deep and won’t afford the Frenchman much room in which to impress, can Martial demonstrate an added dimension to his game?