Manchester United could receive a huge injury boost for the Arsenal game

How do Manchester United fans deal with terrible results and performances every week?

They turn to gallows humor, continue to follow the team with unwavering support and write the Premier League season in their heads because hope was lost months ago.

Fans are desperate to see the back of a miserable campaign and the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25 has been earmarked as the only game that matters, which is why “Wembleyyy, we’re the famous Man United and we’re going to Wembley” is currently the most popular song on away days, including at Selhurst Park on Monday evenings.

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The fan base deserves better. United were supported by 2,000 fans in the away section in London and were in good voice throughout the game despite the performance.

Many have sought solace in claiming that the rest of the league season doesn’t matter, but United must compete in European competition for the sake of financial fair play.

If United do not qualify for Europe, which could happen if they finish eighth, there will be serious consequences for FFP and the summer transfer budget.

That said, the eyes of the world will be watching when title-chasing Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners have not won against United in Manchester with fans in attendance since September 2006, but they head into this match with a formidable squad.

The bookies rated United at 13/2 to win against Arsenal at home and anyone familiar with the odds will understand how much of a damning indictment that is.

United will be underdogs at the weekend – and they were against Crystal Palace on Monday night. Oliver Glasner’s side were expected to win, however the manner in which they secured a dominant 4-0 win was an embarrassment for United and the extended injury list cannot excuse the performance.

Even with a depleted squad, United should not lose to Palace by four goals and must find inspiration in the coming days at Carrington to get a result from Arsenal.

There are just three league games left – Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton – and United haven’t won against any of those opponents this season, but looking at the fixtures of their rivals around them, they could need at least four points to qualify for Europe. .

Of course, United could qualify for Europe by winning the FA Cup, but the chances of a win against City look slim at the moment and that route cannot be relied upon.

Securing a point against Arsenal would help resolve doubts over United’s final league position, and positive squad news could arrive later in the week.

Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford could all return to the squad, while defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof could be available again.

Fernandes’ absence at Selhurst Park has been felt and his return would be a huge boost, as would any return to fitness for Martinez and Lindelof given the depleted defensive options.

It’s been five weeks since it was announced on April 2 that Martinez (calf strain) and Lindelof (hamstring) would be out for at least a month with muscle injuries.

The words “at least” are important context, but both players were expected to return before the end of the season and could be in line to play against Arsenal.

Casemiro and a half-fit Jonny Evans started against Palace. United are desperate for defensive reinforcements and the return of Martinez in particular would be a significant boost.

United cannot concede another blow, two in the space of a week, when they play Arsenal, who are looking for a win to end their 20-year wait for the Premier League title.

The Ten Hag need all the help they can get, including players returning from injury. It’s all hands on deck for the next few weeks as the Titanic sinks.