After an easy victory in the English League Cup, Erik Ten Hag and his team hope to continue their triumphant performance against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

 

The Red Devils started September in a worse way, with 3 consecutive losses and conceding 10 goals. In the most difficult situation, Ten Hag firmly rowed to steer the MU ship through the crisis.

 

The somewhat “ugly” 1-0 victory over Burnley was pivotal, stopping the downward momentum and giving MU the spirit to rise up and defeat Crystal Palace 3 goals to none in the English League Cup. Rookie Sofyan Amrabat just had an impressive debut when initially assigned the role of left-back. Sergio Reguilon continues to be absent due to injury, meaning the Moroccan player will still take on this position.

 

Against lower-rated opponents like Palace, Amrabat was allowed to play wide, occasionally moving inside to assist Casemiro with long-range interceptions. The important thing in the future for MU is to establish an alliance between Amrabat and Casemiro in the midfield. MU’s problems at the beginning of the season all stemmed from a weak midfield, leaving Casemiro alone and exploited.

 

In the first two rounds, Ten Hag tried to combine Mason Mount with the Brazilian player but failed. Mount looks much more comfortable and elegant when playing the “number 8” position instead of the “number 6”.

 

The return of the English midfielder after injury will help MU add attack options. Captain Bruno Fernandes could be pushed to the right side until Antony reappears. Meeting a full-strength Crystal Palace again and many key players returning to the starting lineup, the Red Devils did not easily overwhelm their opponents like the Carabao Cup match in midweek. However, the key point is the burning belief and desire to win in factors like Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount or Rasmus Hojlund who want to assert themselves.