Manchester United will hope to call on the spirit of the mercurial George Best, 50 years after he first graced the Old Trafford turf, as they seek their first home win of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
United, who have failed to score in two successive Barclays Premier League games for the first time since August 2007, were defeated by Liverpool in their previous game and manager David Moyes will hope the crowd’s love of Best helps the team against Ian Holloway’s men.
Paddy Crerand, who played alongside Best during his debut in 1963, instantly recognised the talent of the Northern Irishman.
“George was terrific. I would think he was the best I played with. Just a truly great player,” he told the club’s website.
Despite taking just four points from their opening three games, Moyes has manufactured the transfer of Belgian playmaker Marouane Fellaini from Everton and the midfielder is set to make his United debut.
The opinionated Holloway will begin his two-match touchline ban after accepting charges of improper conduct and bringing the game into disrepute following his comments after the opening day of the campaign.
“It’s going to be a long, hard season for me with these people (referees). I had this with Blackpool. Certain clubs get fouls and others don’t,” he told the BBC website last month after Palace’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Eagles travel to Manchester on the back of their first victory in the big time after an eight-year absence, following the 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Selhurst Park.
The last time Palace came to Old Trafford they secured a 2-1 victory in the league cup quarter-finals back in 2011.
Picture courtesy of NL-HaNA, ANEFO, with thanks.
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