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Erik ten Hag has made himself a hostage to fortune with some brave talk ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.

The United boss is probably on safe ground with a literal interpretation of his "Saturday will be different" statement. Another 4-0 defeat is almost unthinkable.

But it was not just the scale of the defeat that grated earlier this year - it was the manner of it.

Until the past week, United have not looked completely at ease with themselves this season, or as though their summer arrivals have significantly strengthened them.

For a change, the noise around Ten Hag has abated.

If Saturday produces anything like a repeat of the last Palace debacle, it will rise again, and the fact he has promised it will not happen would make it even worse.