The likelihood of Manchester United defeating a revitalized Crystal Palace on the road and earning a much-needed Premier League victory may have slightly decreased.
Because the man who orchestrated those back-to-back wins against West Ham, Newcastle, and Liverpool stated at his pre-game news conference that two of Palace’s best players are “fit” and prepared to take on Erik ten Hag’s struggling team.
Remarkably, within the past several months, one of those has been connected to a transfer to Manchester United.
It seems that the Red Devils are keeping an eye on more Palace staff than just director Dougie Freedman and Michael Olise.
Crystal Palace will test Manchester United.
“Very encouraging news,” stated Glasner, reiterating the availability of both the rumored Marc Guehi target for United and the master playmaker Ebere Eze. They’re both in good health.
“We began getting them ready for the Man United match yesterday. It appears to be going well because both trained for the entire session on Thursday and again today, Friday. If all goes according to plan, both will be on the squad.
Despite the best efforts of an exhausted Andre Onana, Man United, who haven’t kept a clean sheet in two months, could have done without Eze’s comeback, which prevented him from playing in last week’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Eze has been in sublime form under Glasner, and the prospect of an ageing, treacle-treading Casemiro chasing him around the Selhurst Park pitch is the stuff of nightmares.
Guehi, meanwhile, has been out of action since the start of February with a knee issue. The England international – reportedly valued at £55 million and one of many talented young centre-halves on Man United’s wishlist – helped a Roy Hodgson-led Palace side keep Ten Hag’s inconsistent frontline off the scoresheet during the shock 1-0 win at Old Trafford before Christmas.
A potential Red Devils audition for Marc Guehi
“He worked very hard in rehab,” Glasner says of Guehi, who is likely to come up against Rasmus Hojlund on Monday night. “It took maybe one or two weeks longer than we all hoped, but he has such a great working attitude.
“It’s always good when the players are back, and especially when a captain is back, so we’re really looking forward to the last three games.
“I observe his approach to work. (Guehi) is exceptional. In addition to his many qualities, he is also highly professional, diligent, and driven to continually do better. After his recovery, he is currently returning to the team. We will do all in our power to help him since he is a fantastic player.
“We really hope he plays well for England in the Euros, as well as for us.”
At his own press conference, Ten Hag, meantime, had some positive news of his own. Ahead of what appears to be the permanent goodbye for the injured striker at United, Anthony Martial has returned to training. Jonny Evans and Scott McTominay could also play in South London.
