How Crystal Palace plan to stop Marcus Rashford in Manchester United fixture

Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward says his side will look to keep Marcus Rashford quiet in Saturday’s clash at Manchester United by limiting his chances on goal.

The attacker sat out the midweek 3-0 Carabao Cup win over the Eagles but is expected to return to the line-up for the rematch. Rashford has scored just once so far this season and will be eager to increase his account.

The 25-year-old scored what turned out to be the winning strike in the Premier League fixture in April, going on to finish the season with a career-high 30 goals. He will have the task of outwitting Palace captain Ward on the left flank this weekend.

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The Eagles skipper has praised Rashford, highlighting three of his best attributes, and says he is looking forward to the duel. “I think it’s a battle you relish,” he told Palace club media.

“You want to put yourself up against the best of the best and he’s certainly up there with his technical ability, his speed and athleticism and his threat – but we want to nullify his opportunities.

“You set your benchmark against the best players in the world and the best clubs in the world. It doesn’t change regardless how many times you play, for me it’s about going out there and making sure you offer what you can offer to the team. Everyone plays their part in that and is there to hold each other accountable in singing off the same hymn sheet.”

Ward said Palace are not dwelling on Tuesday’s defeat to United with Roy Hodgson set to bring back a number of more-preferred personnel. The full-back, nevertheless, said his team would have to play their cards right if they are to come away from Old