Crystal Palace were one of the toughest sides to play against in the Premier League last season, just ask today’s opponents, Manchester United. Oliver Glasner’s men held the Red Devils to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford before beating them 2-0 at the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park.
By the time the Palace hosted the Reds last February, most expected them to beat one of the worst-performing United teams in history. That isn’t the case this time around, as the Eagles haven’t been flying high over recent months.
Glasner has been under pressure amid disastrous form, including a nine-game league winless streak. The tide has somewhat turned in recent weeks, with wins over Brighton (1-0), Wolverhampton Wanderers (1-0) and Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar (2-0).
Daniel Munoz’s absence was felt during the winter when the Colombian wing-back nursed a knee injury. His side lost five of the eight league games he sat out from early December until late January.
The 29-year-old is back and will be eager to help the Eagles end the season successfully. He has reflected on his side’s struggles by highlighting two problems.
‘Things that normally occur’
Munoz suggested that issues have arisen due to the demanding campaign Crystal Palace have encountered, including a debut season in Europe. He told club media:
“I think [the recent difficult form was] as a result of things that normally occur in a season at a high level.”
Glasner is without four first-team players for the trip to Old Trafford. Cheick Doucoure and Jean-Philippe Mateta (both knee), Eddie Nketiah and Jefferson Lerma (both thigh) are all unavailable.
Munoz touched on Palace’s injury troubles:
“Suffering injuries to key players in important key moments, I think that caused us a little that difficulty. Those are the kind of gaps faced by the biggest teams.”
Palace booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League on Thursday with a 3-1 win on aggregate over Zrinjski. They face AEK Larnaca in the first knockout round of the European competition.
Munoz explained what’s required to end the season on a high:
“We have to keep working, we have to keep fighting, and sooner or later, I believe that, in the end, honest work always pays off. It remains on us to work hard every day. Now, there is game after game, and we’ll work hard to go in search of the best results for the team.“
The fixture list has certainly been a challenge for Glasner to try to handle, and the game against United comes just three days after the Zrinjski win. A lack of depth is an issue for most teams, and it’s been a concern for the South Londoners, whose big-money signings have yet to truly meet expectations.
Munoz is the man
The FA Cup triumph last season was the greatest day in the club’s history, and Munoz was key. He appeared in each of the Eagles’ six games en route to the trophy.
The versatile wing-back scored in a 2-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the fourth round. He was also on target in a 3-1 victory against Millwall in the fifth.
Munoz set Eberechi Eze up for the winner in a 1-0 win against Manchester City in the final at Wembley. He has been at Selhurst Park since early 2024, when he arrived in a £6.8m deal from Genk.
That has proven to be an absolute bargain given the Colombian’s exploits under Glasner. He has made 92 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 14 assists.
For Palace, fortunately, Munoz is back, fully fit and raring to go. His experience and versatility will be vital ahead of the Conference League knockout rounds.
