United fans really aren’t ecstatic about being in either European competition next season so whatever happens against Palace they will not care. But Rangnick has one move left that could gain him some goodwill back and that is by playing some youth in the final game of the year. United have a number of quality youth players that could make an impact going forward under Ten Hag and it could be the perfect opportunity to blood them in against Palace. Here are three that should get minutes on Sunday:
Alvaro Fernandez
Given Luke Shaw’s recent problems with injury and Alex Telles’ failure to truly show the ability many United fans expected him to have when he signed last season, there may be a chance for Fernandez to finally gain his debut against Palace. Fernandez won the U23 Player of the Season award for United and has looked impressive both offensively and defensively for the academy side and he could develop into a quality option if given minutes in the first team.
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho gained his debut earlier this season against Chelsea however he only had a few minutes on the field and didn’t get a touch of the ball; so more time against Palace could introduce him to the Premier League. The Argentinian winger will be high on confidence after his two goals in the FA Youth Cup final including a fantastic solo goal and he would hopefully be able to show similar skill if he gets time on the pitch at Selhurst Park.
Bjorn Hardley
With Eric Bailly and Phil Jones both potentially leaving the club in the summer, United will need some new centre-backs. It is expected that United will sign one defender in the summer but one youth defender might get a chance to prove themselves and be part of the first-team squad as the fifth choice centre-back.