Osian Roberts says Crystal Palace will focus on executing their principles of the game rather than worrying too much about the opposition ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United
The Eagles make the trip to Old Trafford to take on a Red Devils side being managed for the first time by Ralf Rangnick after the new interim boss received a visa this week.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked last month and Michael Carrick in charge of United’s last three games, it has been a challenge for Palace to know what to expect from this weekend’s hosts.
But assistant manager Roberts said: “First of all, Ralf is a highly regarded manager and he has a group of players who are highly talented at the club, so I’m sure the options he will have are numerous.
“For us it’s still about our principles of the game and how we want to play with and without the ball.
“And if that’s true, then mostly it’s going to benefit us in terms of the performance that we can bring.”
Palace make the trip to Manchester with lots of fond memories of recent games in the city.
The Eagles recorded a 2-0 win over Manchester City earlier in the season while unbeaten in their last three visits to Old Trafford.
Patrick Vieira’s predecessor Roy Hodgson tasted victory away at United in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons but the visitors travel this weekend after back-to-back defeats.
Aston Villa clinched all three points at Selhurst Park last Saturday, while a late penalty by Raphinha Leeds earned a 1-0 win over Palace at Elland Road midweek.
“We were disappointed with our last home game,” added Roberts after filling in for Friday’s pre-game press conference because coach Vieira was absent while he was attending to an “urgent family matter”.
“We wanted the reaction against Leeds and we felt we got that. We felt we deserved something from the game, but we also know that this is football.
“So we just have to keep our focus on improving our performances. And as long as we do that, I feel like we can be a team that can take on anyone in the league.”
Joel Ward (suspension), Nathan Ferguson (fitness) and James McArthur (hamstring) will miss United and centre-back Joachim Andersen is doubtful with his own hamstring injury.
