Manchester United are eager to move on from last season’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, as manager Erik ten Hag noted improvements in squad depth this season.
After suffering a 3-0 loss at home against Liverpool earlier this month, United bounced back with a 3-0 victory over Southampton in the league and a commanding 7-0 win against Barnsley in the League Cup. They now prepare for a Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Last season was challenging for Ten Hag due to injuries that restricted his roster in both attack and defense. However, the team has strengthened with new additions, including defender Matthijs de Ligt, midfielder Manuel Ugarte, and forward Joshua Zirkzee.
“I believe the 4-0 defeat in May was fully justified, but Saturday’s match will be a different story. I don’t like to make comparisons, but since February, we’ve often had to scramble to find 11 players to field a team. Now, we have 18 players to choose from,” Ten Hag commented to reporters.
While Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Leny Yoro are still out injured, the returns of midfielder Mason Mount and striker Rasmus Hojlund from their injury spells have provided a boost to the squad.
“We have a busy schedule ahead, so having them back is great news,” Ten Hag added. “They’re back in training, and we will decide tomorrow if they’re fit to start. It’s very encouraging to have them back with us.
“A fully available squad makes it easier to manage player workloads compared to last season when we had to push them too hard. We aim to reintegrate them cautiously.”
In contrast, Oliver Glasner’s team has struggled at the beginning of the season, recording two losses and two draws. However, a recent 2-1 League Cup win against Queens Park Rangers, with goals from Eberechi Eze and new signing Eddie Nketiah, has given them a much-needed morale boost.
Following their match against Crystal Palace, United will face Dutch side Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday.