Pundits disagree on Crystal Palace vs Man Utd score as 'absolutely terrible' key man identified

Manchester United travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday (kick-off at 5.30pm) as Erik ten Hag's side look to continue their fine goalscoring form.

The Reds beat Southampton 3-0 in the Premier League last weekend before thrashing Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. United will be looking to make amends for last season's 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park when they return to face the Eagles this weekend.

Ten Hag's team have been boosted with several first-team players returning from injury. Striker Rasmus Hojlund could make his first appearance of the season whilst Mason Mount may also return against Oliver Glasner's side.

And pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have disagreed in their predictions for United's trip to London. Merson has backed a 2-2 draw whilst Sutton believes United will nick a 2-1 win.

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Paul Merson

"I think this will be an entertaining game," Merson told Sportskeeda. "There will definitely be goals in this one. If Manchester United win, they can pat themselves on the back because that would be a great result. I’m going for a high-scoring draw though. Manchester United will definitely have a go at the Eagles and it will be a very open game."

United have been further boosted by the return to form of Marcus Rashford. The Reds' academy graduate has netted three goals in two games.

"I hope Marcus Rashford is back to his best now. He played well against Barnsley," Merson added.

"Rashford will either score goals or he will be absolutely terrible, there’s no in-between for him. I have a feeling he’ll score against Palace."

Paul Merson's score prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United.

Chris Sutton

Sutton meanwhile admits that he is still far from convinced by United boss Ten Hag. However, he senses that United may be heading in the right direction.

"Crystal Palace pumped Manchester United 4-0 in May, but since then they have sold Michael Olise, who scored twice in that game and makes goals as well as scores them," he told BBC Sport.

"Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made a huge impact when he came in last season but, so far, this campaign has not been plain sailing for him. Glasner wants to play an attacking brand of football but I feel like that will suit Manchester United, and that Erik ten Hag's side can hurt Palace the same way they hurt Southampton last week.

"It was a big moment in the game when Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer's penalty but, after that, United were pretty good, with Marcus Rashford looking lively.

"My first instinct was that this would end in a draw but I am actually going to go with United to win it. I am still not sure about Ten Hag but I just have a sense they might be heading in the right direction, and Palace have not got going yet."

Chris Sutton's score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson says United 'look like they’re getting things together again' and has also predicted a win for Ten Hag's side while joining Merson in backing Marcus Rashford to be key.

Lawrenson told Paddy Power: "Anything can happen with Manchester United and it was a car crash towards the end of the season. I’m going to go with United to just about win this.

"I’m not really worried about them beating Barnsley 7-0, it’s just that they are starting to look like they’re getting things together again. Marcus Rashford kind of sums them up and he’s looking in good form again."

Mark Lawrenson's score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United.

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