Who Is And Who Isn’t Ready For Palace Clash
Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon seeking an immediate response to their defeat against Everton. Ruben Amorim may have to pursue that recovery without Matheus Cunha, as it remains unclear whether the attacker will recover in time to be involved. Cunha, who was described as incredible by Sam Pilger after his outstanding display against Liverpool last month, was absent on Monday due to a head injury sustained in training. Supporters first became aware of the issue when it emerged that he would no longer appear at the Altrincham Christmas light switch-on, and he was subsequently excluded from the matchday squad entirely.
Ben Jacobs offered further clarity on the matter, saying that although the Brazilian had suffered what was considered a serious blow to the head, there is optimism he can return against Crystal Palace if he completes the required concussion protocols without complication. Alongside Cunha, fans will also hope that the meeting with Palace finally marks the long-awaited reappearance of Lisandro Martínez. The defender has not featured for United since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February, though he did make the bench against Everton, which suggests his return to the pitch is edging closer. Amorim chose not to introduce him on that occasion, yet his presence among the substitutes pointed towards progress.
Benjamin Sesko remains unavailable after picking up a knee problem before the international break. Sunday’s fixture is set for a 12pm kick-off on 30 November. The match was initially scheduled for the Saturday lunchtime slot, but Palace’s midweek European commitments forced a change to the timetable.
United Hope For Baleba’s Dropping Price
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to pursue Carlos Baleba once again, but only if Brighton and Hove Albion revise their valuation in the months ahead. The midfielder has struggled to emulate the consistency he demonstrated last season, and his performances have come under scrutiny since the campaign began. Baleba has started in eleven of Brighton’s first twelve league matches but has already been withdrawn at half-time on four occasions after failing to convince Fabian Hürzeler. In September, the Brighton manager suggested that United’s summer interest may have unsettled the 21-year-old, saying that reading about a substantial offer from a major club could affect a young player more than he realises.
United explored the possibility of a deal towards the end of the transfer window, contacting Brighton to understand whether an agreement might emerge. Although Baleba was keen on the move, the Reds refrained from submitting an official bid, as the Seagulls valued him in excess of £100 million and United had already spent heavily on attacking reinforcements. Now, according to Ben Jacobs, the club’s willingness to revive their pursuit depends on the midfielder’s trajectory between now and May. If Brighton continue to demand a fee that could approach a British record, United are expected to refocus their attention on alternative midfield targets.
The coming months will therefore determine whether Baleba remains a realistic option. United view midfield strengthening as a long-term priority, but they will only commit if the price aligns with their current strategy.