Jose Mourinho makes Manchester United contenders for the Champions League, claims Irwin

“Of course, the top four is very hard and that’s the main target for us, but if you can finish second we won’t finish third”.

And finally, with two minutes of added time to play, Matic restored United’s tenuous foothold in second place.

The United players were in good spirits as they prepared to set off to London.

United’s players switched off for Palace’s second goal in the 48th, Jeffrey Schlupp taking a quick free kick and Patrick van Aanholt running through before applying the finish.

“We have world-class players in every position and I think that’s very important to have”.

Indeed, Manchester United are unbeaten in 19 top-flight games against Crystal Palace (W16 D3 L0), since a 0-3 loss at Selhurst Park in May 1991 courtesy of goals from Ian Wright and John Salako (2).

On Manchester United’s end, the team will be quite depleted but most of their absences will be on the defensive end.

Elsewhere, high-flying Liverpool host Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday.

Crystal Palace goes into the game off a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur whilst Manchester United head into the game after beating, Antonio Conte’s, Chelsea last weekend at Old Trafford.

“You want to improve, you want to have competition and I am sure the manager will strengthen his team and try to win the league next year”.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room has been really good and they have received me very well so we can talk a lot and get to know everyone. Some days more than others but after Smalling’s goal, I always thought it was possible”.

Attack: Jesse Lingard came off the bench to score the victor last weekend so the England global is likely to get a recall tomorrow night with Anthony Martial the man to drop out.

“Incredibly, Palace have lost all eight games that Zaha has missed – scoring just one goal”.

Although admirably turning their season around under former England boss Roy Hodgson, the Eagles have begun to slip back to their old ways and Palace now once again find themselves at the heart of a relegation battle.

United have already equalled last season’s tally of 18 league wins, and only need a point to match their final total of 54 for 2016-17.