Chris Sutton abandons his Crystal Palace vs Man Utd score prediction as 'lively' player looks set to make a big impact

Erik ten Hag's side have gained momentum since football resumed after the international break and United have returned to winning ways in their last two games.

United beat Southampton 3-0 in the Premier League at St Mary's last Saturday before thrashing Barnsley 7-0 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

The Red Devils had already suffered two consecutive defeats in the Premier League before the international break in September.

United dropped points in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex before Liverpool comfortably beat the Red Devils 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this month.

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Sutton on Palace ahead of Man Utd match

Manchester United have climbed to 10th place in the Premier League table and Erik ten Hag's side will be hoping for a better experience at Selhurst Park this weekend.

The Red Devils suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League last season.

Palace have had a difficult start to the 2024–25 season. Oliver Glasner's side are winning the league and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table.

In his column for BBC Sport, Sutton said: “Crystal Palace beat Manchester United 4-0 in May but they have since sold Michael Olise, who scored two goals in that game and both assists and scores goals.

“Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made a huge impression when he took over last season, but so far this season has not been entirely smooth for him.

“Glasner wants to play attacking football, but I think that would do Manchester United good and Erik ten Hag's team can hurt Palace just like they hurt Southampton last week.”

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag issues injury update to two Man Utd stars ahead of Crystal Palace clash, it's 'very pleasing' for him

Sutton's prediction for Palace vs Man Utd

Sutton put the “lively” Marcus Rashford in the spotlight after the United star performed brilliantly in his last two games for the Red Devils.

Marcus Rashford ended his goal drought in a 3-0 win over Southampton before the 26-year-old English striker scored a brace against Barnsley.

Sutton admitted that his “first instinct” was to think Palace could draw, but the BBC sports pundit has retracted that assumption and is now predicting a 2-1 win for United.

“It was a big moment in the game when Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer's penalty, but after that United were pretty good and Marcus Rashford looked lively,” he continued.

“My first instinct was that it would be a draw, but I'm predicting a United win.

“I'm not sure about Ten Hag yet, but I feel like they could be going in the right direction and Palace haven't got going yet.”

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