Roy Hodgson issues a warning to Manchester United following their Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace were soundly defeated in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, but they travel to Old Trafford this weekend for a Premier League clash.
Roy Hodgson expects his Crystal Palace team to give “a better account” of themselves when they return to Old Trafford on Saturday to face Manchester United in the Premier League.
United defeated Palace 3-0 in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, and Anthony Martial deciding the outcome. Erik ten Hag’s team dominated from start to finish, with little to contend with on the other side.
Both teams made numerous substitutions for the midweek match, but it was United who dominated control, controlling possession as Palace sat deep and tried to absorb pressure. It was a calm night for the Reds’ defense, which didn’t make a mistake, and Hodgson is expecting for more menace on Saturday.
“We played against a good side and got a footballing lesson during parts of the game so we aren’t very happy about that despite the mitigating circumstances you mentioned,” Hodgson told Sky Sports. “We could have probably done a better job, especially in the first half.” The second half was marginally better, in my opinion.
“The truth is that we need to regroup, put ourselves back together, and try again on Saturday.” The personnel may alter slightly, but it will still be an equally difficult game for us because I’m confident we won’t see a worse Man United than we did today, and they have guys they can bring in to strengthen them.
“We must accept that our hopes and wishes were too strong today for us to make them a reality.” Then we have to accept that we are out of the Carabao Cup, while United continue their campaign. We now have a few days to lick our wounds so that when we return on Saturday, we can do better.”
Both Manchester United and Crystal Palace made multiple changes for the midweek match and are expected to be at full strength on Saturday. Many of Hodgson’s first-team regulars, notably Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, and Odsonne Edouard, did not start.
