Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker confident ahead of Crystal Palace trip

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Brad Walker

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker is confident his old side can secure back-to-back Premier League victories when they travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park having beaten Southampton 3-0 at St Mary's last weekend. United also secured a resounding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the League Cup on Tuesday.

The two wins have seen an improvement on their early season form which saw them lose two of their opening three league games, including a 3-0 home drubbing against bitter rivals Liverpool on matchday two.

Manager Erik Ten Hag once again found himself under pressure after the poor start, having narrowly escaped with his job following a disappointing showing last season. United languished to their lowest ever finish in the Premier League, ending the campaign in eighth.

A 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final saved the Dutchman's job at Old Trafford for the timebeing but a positive beginning to the new season was crucial if he is to remain in the United dugout.

Finding the back of the net had been an issue in their first three games but Ten Hag will have been encouraged seeing his team score 10 across their last two outings.

"Football is football and sometimes you have ups and sometimes you have downs, but you have to use these games to find momentum, find consistency and just try your best to bring your best level in each game," he told Sky Sports after the Barnsley game.

"It's early to say [if his side will keep scoring], but I hope so. We'll move on to the next match now, rest, recover and focus on the next one."

Ten Hag's men secured a resounding victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Paul Parker: United can pickup another win this weekend

United travel to Selhurst Park next to face a side who have also stumbled in the early weeks of the season. The Eagles enjoyed a resurgence following Oliver Glasner's appointment in February but losing several key figures in the summer looks to have halted momentum.

Palace are yet to record a victory in the Premier League this season [D2, L2] but did secure a 2-1 away win at QPR in the Carabao Cup this week.

Nevertheless, former United full-back believes the weekend's fixture could be an ideal one for his old side to continue build momentum after their difficult start.

Speaking to Odds Now via William Hill Vegas, Parker said: "I am confident they can build on [the last two results].

"10 goals [scored] is good for confidence with the strikers and midfielders who are scoring. Away at Palace is a good game for United to continue their good form and get another three points.

"This can build some momentum and a platform to progress up the table. To get into the Champions League is the aim and scoring goals is key given United aren’t as strong as City and Arsenal defensively.

"Let’s see what happens, but it’s been a good response since [the Liverpool defeat]."

Parker expects his former club to continue their winning streak this weekend. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

This fixture wasn't exactly kind to Ten Hag and co last season, mind. The Red Devils suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to the Eagles at Old Trafford in September last year before United suffered a 4-0 hammering at Selhurst Park the following May.

However, Parker insists his old club can take inspiration from the performances last term and right those wrongs at the weekend.

"[Last season's game will have] no effect. In fact, it can be positive one as the team will be spurred on to perform a lot better.

"In previous years, Palace away has been a good ground for United, so they can look to their previous record (outside of last season). Palace are struggling, so United must play on the front foot and then good things can happen."

Marcus Rashford's return to form crucial

Another positive for Ten Hag has been Marcus Rashford's recent performances.

The 26-year-old has netted three goals in his last three games for the club, having failed to score since United's thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool back in March.

Rashford enjoyed his best season set during Ten Hag's first season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions, but has endured a difficult time since.

Another poor start to this campaign led to some calling for him to be dropped but bagging the second goal against Southampton, as well as a brace versus Barnsley, has renewed hope that he can replicate his form from previous years.

Parker is among the crowd hoping the goals will instill fresh belief in Rashford and kickstart his season down United's left flank. He only has two career goals against Palace, though, and sits at 14/5 (general) to score again this weekend.

"It's a confidence game, football. Marcus has proven he is a top player, so I hope he can continue his confirm, ignore any critics and keep playing well," he said.

Rashford wasn't the only man at the club whose future was under question. Ten Hag was on the edge of being shown the exit door following a miserable 2023-24 season.

And even after winning the FA Cup, United took several weeks to express their commitment to the Dutchman after reportedly courting several potential candidates to replace him in the Old Trafford dugout.

Parker is hopeful Rashford can build on the goals scored against Southampton and Barnsley. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

The club eventually expressed their faith in him moving forward but early losses to Brighton and Liverpool this season cast fresh doubt over whether he was the right man to lead the team.

While the recent wins will have bought him more time, the pressure is on for United to show signs of improvement, particularly after a busy summer transfer window.

Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui were all brought in for big money with the expectancy of a better showing on the pitch this season.

However, Parker says Ten Hag can only cut out the outside noise and focus on his task at hand in order to push on.

"One win and it’s all positive, [but] one loss and Ten Hag should go.

"It’s the nature of football unfortunately, but inside the camp, they must focus on the bigger picture. Keep performing at a high level on the pitch, win your duels, be strong and clinical up front. Defensively everyone has to work hard for each other."

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United betting odds

Another win this weekend will see United's unbeaten run stretch to three games in all competitions and see them record consecutive league victories for the first time this season.

The Red Devils come in narrow odds-against favourites to do just that at a best price of 29/20 with Midnite. Palace have lost and drawn their first two home matches amd enter at 29/16 to pickup their first win in front of their own fans this weekend. The draw sits at 11/4.