Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of key players ahead of their game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Michael Carrick has been ruled out, while Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini remain serious doubts.

Jones has starred alongside Eric Bailly at the heart of United’s defence and Fellaini has been filling in for the injured Paul Pogba.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho said: “Carrick has no chance. I think Jones I have many doubts and Fellaini I have a hope, just a hope.”

United eased to a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Wednesday evening.

Romelu Lukaku’s brace and goals from Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan maintained their perfect in the Champions League.

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Mourinho’s men are being kept off the top of the Premier League table by goal difference and host a Palace side who are rock bottom.

But the former Chelsea boss believes his team will be in for a difficult afternoon.

He said: “For the team confidence is good because six points in two matches in the Champions League puts us in a good position.

“The Premier League is another story. We play Saturday three o'clock against a fresh team and we have to play after this match.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground, stay humble and follow our direction because we are having a very good start to the season.

“We have started competitions strong in August and September and have now just one more game, a difficult one.”