The 52-Year Shadow at Selhurst Park: Can United Break Palace’s Curse

Match Preview

All eyes turn to Selhurst Park on Sunday as Crystal Palace host Manchester United in what looks to be one of the season’s more balanced and enigmatic fixtures. Palace’s compact defense and sharp counter-attacking style have become a growing headache for United over the past two years, even more so when the venue doubles as a stage for an old rivalry rewritten by recent form.

In recent league meetings, Palace have won three of the last four against United (with a draw in the mix), a run that underscores their knack for turning this fixture into a headache for the visitors. United have struggled to score against Palace in successive league meetings, failing to net in the last four.

Form, Defense and XG Snapshot

Historically, United’s away form in London has been fragile. They have three wins in 26 London away games, with those victories all coming against Fulham. Since April 2023, United have recorded 16 defeats in the capital, a figure that underpins a persistent away-day challenge.

Palace’s defensive numbers stand out this season, with nine goals conceded—second only to Arsenal's six in the league. Under Austrian coach Oliver Glasner, that discipline has become their calling card, helping them stay compact and dangerous on the break.

Expected goals tell a story of a potentially open match. United sit atop the league with a total xG around 37.1 for the season, including roughly 20.1 xG for and 17 against; Palace sit around 35.1 (20.6 for, 14.5 against). That split hints at chances for both sides, especially if United’s attackers click on Sunday.

Key Players and Trends

Daniel Munoz has been one of Palace’s breakout figures this season, leading the way among Palace defenders with 4 direct contributions. He has supplied two decisive passes at Selhurst Park, with his best moments arriving away from home as well.

For United, Bruno Fernandes continues to drive the attack, leading the league in chances created with 31. He is one of only two players (the other being Phil Foden) to create 10 chances from open play and 10 from set-pieces this season, underscoring his all-around impact.

Palace’s home form has been unusually sturdy: 12 consecutive league matches without defeat at Selhurst Park, a rare run that underscores their stability under Glasner.

Historically, United's away campaign has been a source of concern this season, but the data also tell a story of potential breakthroughs if they can unlock Palace’s defense on the day.

Two light-hearted notes to close: Punchline 1: United’s away form is so stubborn that even the ball asks for directions to the net. Punchline 2: Palace’s defense is so well-drilled that even the grass at Selhurst Park files a complaint about entering the goal uninterested.