Martinez returns as ‘desperate’ Red drops to bench: Predicted United line-up to face Crystal Palace

Our predicted Manchester United starting line-up for Sunday’s trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.Only two points separate the Red Devils (10th) and Palace (fifth) heading into gameweek 13, and it’s these kinds of games that Ruben Amorim simply has to be winning if he has any chance of securing European qualification in his first full season.United’s 2025/2026 finish could determine whether or not they’re able to sign some of their most wanted targets next summer. Elliot Anderson, for example, is now being linked with Manchester City as well as the Reds. 🚨 Exclusive: Man City ready to make Elliot Anderson one of top targets in 2026 💰 Forest asking price likely £80-100m, ruling out return to Newcastle. Others interested inc. Man Utd ⬇️ Full story https://t.co/p9OlBhP2nP — Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) November 28, 2025With no midweek action to account for, Sunday poses as the side’s earliest opportunity to bounce back from their lacklustre defeat at home to Everton – the match that ended their five-game unbeaten streak.United team news for Sunday (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)In regard to Amorim’s options for the encounter in South London, he is confirmed to be without Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire.Cunha missed out against the Toffees after suffering a ‘serious blow’ to his head in training, though he is expected to return to the fold in time to face West Ham on Thursday, December 4 – as is Mauguire, who’s been sidelined since before the international break.Sesko sustained his knee injury in the draw away to Tottenham Hotspur. He entered the fray in the second half and lasted half an hour before being forced off, leaving United with 10 men to see out the contest, as Amorim had already used up all his substitutions.Predicted United line-up vs Palace (Photo via @ManUtd on Twitter)Predicted XI: Lammens; Martinez, De Ligt, Yoro; Shaw, Fernandes, Casemiro, Mazraoui; Amad, Mbeumo, Mount.Lisandro Martinez should make his long-awaited return from injury against the Eagles. He made the matchday squad on Monday for the first time in nine months and has been chomping at the bit to do his bit to help the team on the field.Joshua Zirkzee is likely to be dropped after his quiet display at Old Trafford at the start of the week. He is said to be ‘desperate’ to prove himself to the boss amid his reduced role, but Amorim could favour Mason Mount in attack instead.