Kobbie Mainoo returns to sparkling form ahead of Man Utd v Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Manchester United will be looking to make four wins in a row in all competitions when they take on Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

Under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils are showing signs of resurgence, and they should be aiming to pick up all three points against Palace, who are also enjoying a purple patch under Oliver Glasner.

United advanced straight to the Europa League last 16 after picking up a 2-0 win over FCSB on Thursday. The victory away from home will give them immense confidence, and they should now look to build strong momentum before the next international break.

Amid talks of Marcus Rashford falling out of favour and Alejandro Garnacho potentially leaving the club, the United boss will be delighted to find Kobbie Mainoo finally returning to his best form.

The 19-year-old is a generational talent. He made a massive impact for the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag last season and deservedly got a national team call-up for the Euro Championships.

It has taken a long time for the prodigiously gifted midfielder to get going in 2024/25, and many pundits speculated what might have happened to him.

Amorim can take a huge credit after he changed Mainoo’s position to the attacking number 10 role.

Mainoo scored one goal and provided one assist against FCSB. But he could have had a hat-trick. It was a man-of-the-match display from him, and his sparkling form breathes new life among the Old Trafford faithful as Man Utd look to turn it around in the second half of the season.

It felt as if he embraced the new role like a fish to water.

The Portuguese boss said after the game: “I think Kobbie in that position played very well, with more freedom, with not so much responsibility running back all the time.”

He is already blessed with great technical abilities. His close control is arguably his greatest asset. He remains unfazed when surrounded by opponents. He can take the ball under pressure and has the ability to find the right man, even from tight spaces.

While he excelled in a deeper role in midfield, Amorim rightly pointed out why he is more suited to the new role.

He added: “He was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder. Now, more as a 10, you can feel that he was so free.

“Playing the ball near the box is really good, the small connections. We need time to work with the players and understand the best positions for them.”

He is the one to watch out for against Crystal Palace. United fans will be over the moon if the experiment turns out to be a tactical masterclass from the new manager.

Man Utd v Crystal Palace Tickets

Manchester United’s home game against Crystal Palace is a crucial one for the Red Devils as they push to improve their home form. For the United faithful looking to support their team at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace this weekend or the upcoming games against Leicester City, Ipswich Town or Arsenal, they can explore Manchester United hospitality tickets to enjoy a premium experience at the Theatre of Dreams.

Crystal Palace have picked up four wins away from home, and they can cause problems. However, Man Utd are growing in confidence, and they should be able to snatch a precious win. 2-1.