Manchester United will be targeting a first Premier League away win since February when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Monday night.

United were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Old Trafford last time out. Dropping two points meant United missed out on the opportunity to tighten their grip on sixth spot. They head into this weekend's fixtures one point ahead of seventh-placed Newcastle United.

With their Champions League qualification hopes officially over, the best United can hope for is Europa League qualification. Erik ten Hag's side can achieve that via a sixth place finish or by beating Manchester City at Wembley to win the FA Cup. MEN Sport has had a close look at what a perfect weekend would like for the Reds this week.

Three points on the board

At this stage of the season points have more substance than performances. United's style of play has attracted heavy scrutiny this term but getting a win on Monday night is more important than playing well.

United have just four league games left and need to end the campaign strongly to achieve the best remaining prize on offer. However, they have struggled against Palace in recent years, winning just three of the last nine league meetings.

They have already been beaten by the Londoners once this season, 1-0 at Old Trafford in September, and have failed to win on their last three visits to Selhurst Park. It is a hoodoo they need to end.

Hojlund gets on the scoresheet

After ending his run of four league games without a goal against Sheffield United, Rasmus Hojlund would have been disappointed not to have built on that against Burnley when he failed to register a shot against one of the division's leakiest defences.

The Dane has already demonstrated that he is a confidence player, as his run of form between December and January attests to. United need to try and get him back in the groove for the final few weeks of the season.

Fernandes wins his fitness battle

Speaking to the media on Thursday lunchtime, Ten Hag confirmed that captain Bruno Fernandes is a doubt for the trip to the capital. Fernandes has been a shining light in United's recent struggle for victories, scoring seven goals in his last six games in league and cup. He has been a leader, too, earning United a point at Bournemouth and all three against the Blades.

He has not missed a game through injury during his United career, meaning it would be an unprecedented situation if he does lose his fitness battle. United's chances of getting three points will be strengthened if he is available.

Get a helping hand from elsewhere

Playing last this weekend, United will know the lay of the land before kicking-off at Selhurst Park. Their immediate rivals play on either Saturday or Sunday, with Newcastle United travelling to Burnley on Saturday and Tottenham Hotspur visiting Liverpool 24 hours later.

If Newcastle avoid defeat at Turf Moor, they are guaranteed to move back above United, even if it is only goal difference. Three points would push them two clear of United.

Even though fifth place no longer brings the added benefit of an additional Champions League place, United will still be determined to finish as high as possible. If Spurs lose at Anfield and United win on Monday, Ten Hag's troops will be hot on their heels. Either way United need a helping hand from Vincent Kompany's Burnley, who desperately need points themselves to beat the drop.