Michael Owen has backed Manchester United to edge out Crystal Palace in Ralf Rangnick’s first game as boss.
The Red Devils will play a Premier League game under a third different man this season, but the German plans to stay.
He will take charge of a team fresh from a 3-2 win over Arsenal – just their second victory in the league since mid-September.
Palace meanwhile were undone in stoppage time against Leeds in midweek, but have already claimed a notable scalp in Manchester this season.
Patrick Vieira’s men saw off the champions at the Etihad and will be looking to complete the double on Sunday.
United’s defence has been an issue – something Rangnick is well aware of – and Owen reckons the Eagles will score at Old Trafford, but ultimately fall to defeat.
He told Bet Victor: “The main man, Cristiano Ronaldo, again stole the headlines with his 800th and 801st career goals in the win against Arsenal. It will be very interesting to see how Ralf Rangnick gets on as the United boss and how he manages Ronaldo.
“That’s now two defeats in a row for Palace. They had a few chances against Leeds on Tuesday but to concede in the last minute must be a tough one to take.
“Palace have given the top sides some problems this season, and I don’t think this will be easy for United. I think they will have just too much though, 2-1.”
Palace have secured wins in the last two renewals of this fixture.
Two years ago they notched late in the day to secure a 2-1 win whilst last term they bagged a 3-1 success.
Rangnick has already spoken about changing the current system at Old Trafford so that it reflects his ideals.
“I think to gain control on games in the future has got to do with playing proactively, no matter if we have the ball ourselves of if the other team is in possession of the ball.
“It’s about helping the team to play together, it’s about togetherness, it’s also about team spirit.
“We saw it yesterday. If we compare the two halves, first half and second half yesterday (Thursday) was completely different.”
However with minimal time between him taking charge and Sunday’s clash he is not expecting major changes yet.
The German added: “I cannot do a lot with the players that played against Arsenal because I need to make sure that they have enough power and fuel in the tanks for the game on Sunday, so physically we cannot really train.
“So, the only way to help them and to give them an input is mentally obviously, with regard to energy.”