Palace vs MNU — Team News, Possible Line-ups, Date & Kick-off Time

Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in what is shaping up to be a key Premier League test for Ruben Amorim’s side. The fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 30 November 2025, with a 12:00 GMT kick-off at Selhurst Park — an early afternoon slot which will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports.

Context and stakes

United arrive off the back of a disappointing 1–0 home defeat to 10-man Everton, a result that halted a recent run of improved form and raised fresh questions about consistency away from Old Trafford. Amorim’s squad currently sit outside the top five, and a positive result in south London is important if United are to close the gap on the teams above them and steady confidence ahead of the busy December schedule. Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, have shown themselves to be a difficult opponent at Selhurst Park and currently occupy a higher position in the table — making this fixture a classic “pressure” test for United.

Manchester United — team news

Injury news is the main story for United. Manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed several absences: Matheus Cunha (training injury), Benjamin Sesko (knee) and Harry Maguire (recovering) will all miss the trip to Palace. Amorim indicated Cunha might be available soon but that he will definitely miss this match; Sesko’s lay-off is expected to run into mid-December. Those absences reduce options up front and in central defence, forcing tactical adjustments and changes to personnel.

Beyond those names, Ruben Amorim must decide how to balance his midfield and wing-back roles to counter Palace’s dynamic wide attackers. There have been suggestions that Manuel Ugarte’s form is patchy, which could push Amorim towards relying on Bruno Fernandes as a playmaker with more disciplined partners in front of the defence — whether that’s Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo or a McTominay/Fred pairing depends on selection and match plan. United’s away form this season has been patchy (just one away league win in a run of matches), so personnel and shape are likely to be adjusted with an eye on solidity.

Palace — team news

Crystal Palace come into the game with their own issues but remain a difficult side to beat at Selhurst. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been managing injuries and recovery carefully: reports suggest a minor concern for midfielder Will Hughes after a recent knock, while the availability of left-sided players such as Borna Sosa has been discussed by the club. Palace’s squad balance — wing-backs, a compact midfield and two talented attacking outlets — provides Glasner with a system that causes problems for teams that leave gaps in wide areas. Expect Palace to be well organised and to try to exploit the flanks and quick transitions.

Tactical previews

Oliver Glasner has often set Palace up in a flexible 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 hybrid, relying on disciplined wing-backs and creative support from the “2” behind the striker. That structure can stifle teams that play narrow and leave the flanks exposed. Ruben Amorim — whose United have alternated between more expansive and compact looks this year — will likely try to match intensity in midfield while ensuring the central defence copes without Maguire. Expect a battle for midfield control, with set-piece moments and transitions likely to decide the outcome.

Possible Man United XI (prediction)

Given the absences and recent selections, a realistic United XI for Selhurst Park could look like:

GK: David de Gea

RB: Diogo Dalot

CB: Lisandro Martínez (or Victor Lindelöf)

CB: Matthijs de Ligt

LB: Tyrell Malacia

CM: Casemiro

CM: Bruno Fernandes (No.10/advanced midfield)

CM: Kobbie Mainoo / Scott McTominay

RW: Antony / Jadon Sancho

ST: Marcus Rashford (central striker role in Cunha/Sesko absence)

LW: Alejandro Garnacho / Anthony Martial

That selection attempts to blend defensive stability (Casemiro, De Ligt) with creative thrust through Bruno and the wide players. Amorim could also tinker by pushing Bruno into a slightly freer role with a more disciplined double pivot to protect the defence. If Manuel Ugarte is selected, he may replace Mainoo or McTominay depending on tactical needs. Several outlets have offered similar predicted XIs given the injury list.

Possible Crystal Palace XI (prediction)

A likely Palace starting XI under Glasner — built around wing-backs and a focal striker — could be:

GK: Dean Henderson (or Sam Johnstone depending on selection)

CBs: Marc Guehi (if fit) — Joachim Andersen — Cheick Doucouré (note: Doucouré is midfield but Palace have similar options)

Wing-backs: Nathaniel Clyne / Tyrick Mitchell (or Borna Sosa if available)

Midfield: Will Hughes (if fit) — Jean-Philippe Mateta or an alternative depending on selection

Attacking 2: Eberechi Eze (if linked/available) / Michael Olise (if fit)

Striker: Chris Richards / Bryan Mbeumo (depending on how Glasner lines up)

Glasner’s XI will aim to be compact defensively and quick in possession transitions; the key men to watch are Palace’s creative attackers and wing-backs who can overload United’s full-backs.

Key battles and players to watch

Bruno Fernandes vs Palace midfield structure: Bruno’s ability to find pockets of space and influence the game will be crucial if United are to unlock Palace’s compact shape.

United central defence without Maguire: How De Ligt (and Martínez/Lindelöf) handle Palace’s wide runners and set pieces could determine the result.

Palace wing-backs vs United full-backs: If Palace can exploit the channels and create overloads, United’s flanks may be exposed during transitions.

Conclusion & prediction angle

This is a fixture that tests Manchester United’s resilience on the road and Crystal Palace’s ability to maintain home form. With United missing key pieces up front and in defence, Amorim will likely prioritise balance and discipline while searching for moments of creativity from Bruno and the wide players. For Palace, controlling the flanks and making the most of transitions will be vital.

Fans should plan for a 12:00 GMT kick-off at Selhurst Park on 30 November 2025 — an early Sunday match that promises intensity, tactical intrigue and plenty riding on the result for both sides. For live coverage details and confirmation of final team sheets, follow official club channels and broadcasters on matchday.