Manchester United make the trip to London this evening to face a Crystal Palace team who have seen their early season promise fade.
Patrick Vieira's side has tasted defeat in four of their last five Premier League fixtures, sliding to twelfth in the table.
In contrast, United made it nine straight wins with Saturday’s 2-1 derby victory and are now hunting for a perfect 10.
Erik's Reds take to South London! ⚪?⚫#MUFC || #CRYMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 18, 2023
United have won every game that they've played since November, which has kept them alive in four competitions.
They have entered the Premier League title conversation with a victory over Manchester City and this stellar run of form has seen the players earn Erik ten Hag’s full trust.
"You work so hard for such momentum and every win is so great in top football," he said.
Speaking about his side's come-back victory in Saturday's derby win, he added: "I trust them. They were behind the plan fully 100 per cent and they controlled long periods of the game in the first half."
? Full focus on #CRYMUN. #MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/2czCo6WIoR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2023
In the past, historic Manchester United sides could weather a storm and achieve memorable victories in the dying minutes of the game.
This side is beginning to replicate those days for the club's loyal support and ten Hag recognises the importance of that mentality.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "Teams need such experience to build that mentality, to build belief that the game is only over when the ref whistles for the last time.
"To stay in the game, you have to construct that and you need experiences like this to improve even more, to push it even more to a higher level of mentality."
? Inbox (1)
? Wout Weghorst#MUFC pic.twitter.com/bclbEYYcM7
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2023
New loan-signing Wout Weghorst is available for tonight's clash but ten Hag remained tight-lipped as to whether he'll feature.
"I have to overthink that, set the right conclusions and then we will make a clear plan," he said.
"I know already a lot of Palace, we faced them also in pre-season and I know how the team is but the total plan I don't have now."
Palace won this exact fixture by one goal to nil on the final day of last season and the Eagles will be hoping to spring an upset against the all-conquering red devils.
Kick-off is at 8 pm at Selhurst Park.
