Oliver Glasner confirms huge Crystal Palace boost ahead of Man United clash | OneFootball

Glasner Confidence Lift as Crystal Palace Assess Guehi Before United Test

Crystal Palace head into their clash with Manchester United boosted by clarity over Marc Guehi’s condition and renewed focus from Oliver Glasner. The Austrian manager moved to reassure supporters after the defender’s early withdrawal in the 2-1 loss to Strasbourg, explaining that the change was part of a controlled plan rather than a setback.

Guehi Management Plan

Guehi had returned early from England duty due to a foot issue suffered against AZ Alkmaar, and while he completed the full 90 minutes in the impressive win over Wolves, concerns rose again when he failed to emerge for the second half in Europe. Glasner’s response was clear and immediate.

“Marc was just planned before, because he couldn’t train for two-and-a-half weeks, he had the 90 minutes last week [against Wolves], and of course he should play and he will play against Manchester United,” Glasner said post-match.

He added, “That’s why we had to manage the minutes, so no issues with Marc.”

For Palace, the stability and leadership Guehi provides is central to their Premier League form, where they have dropped points in only two of their first 12 fixtures. His availability for Sunday strengthens their chances of tightening defensive control, particularly against a United side still searching for rhythm.

Injury Updates and Squad Outlook

Will Hughes also departed early in Strasbourg after clutching his knee, although the Palace boss offered a cautiously optimistic update regarding the midfielder’s availability.

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“Borna Sosa will miss this game again, but Will [Hughes] doesn’t look so bad, so we’re very hopeful that he’ll be in the matchday squad,” Glasner noted. “All others are fine.”

Hughes’ potential involvement would provide welcome balance in midfield, especially with Palace aiming to regain momentum after their five match unbeaten run across all competitions came to a halt.

Cutting Edge Concerns

Despite the positive news around Guehi, Glasner was open about the challenges his side face in converting dominance into goals. Palace have built an effective structure under his guidance, but the difference between control and victory has at times been defined by missed opportunities.

“Again, it’s the story [of our season]. We need more players who show up in scoring goals, that’s what we know. But on the other hand, nobody does it on purpose, but at the moment it just happens too often,” Glasner told TNT Sport.

He added that relying solely on defensive resilience was unsustainable. “You can’t always rely to keep the clean sheet because the opposition is also doing well, and it would give us a little bit more time to relax in a game. If you score the second and third, nothing will cost you.”

With Guehi ready to return and Glasner reinforcing his message, Palace approach the Manchester United fixture with belief, structure and the awareness that more ruthlessness in the final third could elevate them further.