Roy Hodgson makes Manchester United investment point ahead of Crystal Palace visit

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has dismissed suggestions that Crystal Palace could capitalise on Manchester United’s poor start to the season in Tuesday’s League Cup clash, pointing to the amount that has been invested into the Old Trafford playing staff.

United have splashed more than £400m since Erik ten Hag’s arrival, of which more than £170m was spent this summer. Palace have dished out £74m since July 2022 with £33m used during the last transfer window.

The Eagles also lost talisman Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray over the summer, although find themselves 10th in the Premier League despite having won just two of their opening six matches. United climbed up to ninth with Saturday’s 1-0 win over Burnley but their start to the season has been underwhelming.

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As well as mustering just three wins in six league matches, Ten Hag has been without £73m Jadon Sancho and £85m Antony for the last few weeks due to differing off-field matters.

Hodgson, however, still believes United will have the firepower to wreak havoc for Palace ahead of their double-header, with a Premier League clash against the Reds scheduled for Saturday too.

He said: “We are talking about one of the two biggest football clubs in the world. So even though they might not be firing on all cylinders, they’re still going to look at a bench probably which has cost several hundred million.

“It will be a very difficult game, but it will be a great experience, those players who haven’t had a chance could get the chance. It will be good for them to show what they can do at the very top level.

“I believe enough in this team and this squad and the