Manchester United travel to London on the final day of the Premier League campaign to face Crystal Palace. United have had an awful season, one that looked bright in the first five games but a disastrous collapse that ultimately cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job. Manchester United looked to get things back on track under Carrick but the appointment of Rangnick was nowhere near the success it seemed it would be.

Knocked out of two cups. The worst win rate of any Manchester United manager ever. The worst defensive record in the club’s Premier League history. Thrown every player under the bus without taking any accountability for himself. There are many reasons why Ralf Rangnick’s tenure is easily one of the worst periods in United’s modern history.

Right now, Manchester United have to get through this period and look to the not-too-distant future. Erik ten Hag is on his way and will be watching the game at Selhurst Park. He will hold meetings with the players soon and has already conducted transfer meetings in London this week. To finish this horrible season, United must play the last game of the campaign. Here’s all you need to know:

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Match Information:

Teams: Crystal Palace and Manchester United
KO Date: Sunday 23rd May 2022
KO Time: 16:00 GMT
Stadium: Selhurst Park
Managers: Patrick Vieira and Ralf Rangnick
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Team News:

Crystal Palace

It would seem Patrick Vieira has almost his whole squad available to him but the talented Michael Olise. The French starlet is ruled out for the rest of the season but the depth of Palace’s attack means he won’t be too sorely missed.

Manchester United

United are almost at full strength. Sancho and Rashford are fit and available. Luke Shaw returned to training after a complication with his surgery but I doubt he will be risked unless he is back to full fitness. Pogba remains out with a calf injury and has not been selected for France for the upcoming international fixtures.

Interesting Facts:

• If Manchester United lose to Crystal Palace by two goals, they will finish the campaign on negative goal difference for the first time in their Premier League history.
• The last time Manchester United played Crystal Palace on the final day was a 2-0 win at Old Trafford. Debutant, Josh Harrop scored in what was his first and final game for Manchester United.
• Manchester United could do the double over Crystal Palace for the first time since 2017/18.
• Since Ralf Rangnick took over, United have never come back from a losing position to win. They have earned four draws from being a goal down but never a win.

Manchester United Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace:

I don’t really know how Ralf Rangnick will set up the team. I expect he will put out a strong side to secure Europa League. De Gea will play again. I genuinely can’t see how Rangnick believes Dalot is a better option to Wan-Bissaka and I don’t believe Ten Hag has already agreed to sell AWB. I would like Wan Bissaka to start along with Maguire, Varane and Shaw (if he is fully fit). In midfield, I would prefer McTominay and Fred to deal with Gallagher and Eze. Matic would not be able to cope with their mobility and energy. In attack, Rashford, Bruno and Sancho should play behind Cristiano Ronaldo. I hope United can at least end the campaign with a win and a sign of some strength.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I think if United can play with the urgency and desire Everton did earlier this week, there should be no problems at all. Can the team motivate itself to secure Europa League football? It seems Rangnick has no man-management at all and fails to motivate the team in his role so it goes down to what the team has to do. I hope, with two weeks off, they can show the passion and enthusiasm to get this win and secure this spot. The same kind of enthusiasm and passion they have had for three years under Ole. They have the new manager watching on and so that should be enough motivation to do well. You would think.

I can see a win but I can also see a total humiliation. It depends on what United turn up. I will be optimistic for this one. But I know it could easily all fall apart.

United to win 1-2