In a dramatic Premier League showdown on Sunday, Manchester United staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park. The victory, secured on a freezing afternoon in south London, provided a crucial boost for manager Ruben Amorim's squad, ending their four-match winless streak.
First Half Struggles and Palace's Lead
The match began disastrously for the Red Devils, who found themselves on the back foot for much of the first half. United had an early opportunity to take the lead within the first 60 seconds when a long throw caused chaos in the Palace defence, but Casemiro's close-range effort was parried by Dean Henderson.
Crystal Palace dominated possession and created several chances, with United goalkeeper Senne Lammens forced into action to save Daichi Kamada's low drive. The pressure finally told in the 36th minute when United defender Leny Yoro conceded a penalty with a crude lunge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
In a bizarre sequence, Mateta scored from the spot only to have his goal disallowed for a double-touch as he kicked the ball. Due to a new rule implemented this season, accidental double-touch penalties are now retaken if the initial kick was successful. Mateta confidently fired past Lammens on his second attempt, giving Palace a deserved lead.
United's Second Half Revival
Manchester United emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, and their persistence paid off in the 54th minute through an unlikely source. Joshua Zirkzee ended his 24-game Premier League goal drought with a spectacular equalizer, running onto Bruno Fernandes' free-kick, controlling the ball on his chest, and smashing a brilliant strike across Henderson into the far corner from an almost impossible angle.
The goal was Zirkzee's first in the Premier League since he netted against Everton in December 2024, silencing critics who had questioned his £36 million move from Bologna. The Dutch striker had failed to score in his eight previous appearances dating back to April.
United continued to press and took the lead in the 63rd minute through Mason Mount. Fernandes tapped a free-kick to Mount, who lashed a low drive under the Palace wall and past Henderson from 20 yards. The goal was just Mount's second of the season, with the midfielder having struggled with injuries since joining from Chelsea.
Manager's Reaction and Implications
United manager Ruben Amorim expressed relief after the match, highlighting his team's improved second-half performance. "I could see that Palace were getting tired at the end of the first half and knew they would suffer if we scored," Amorim said. "The pace and intensity was better in the second half. We controlled the game. We took advantage of a tired opponent."
The Portuguese manager also praised Zirkzee's contribution, noting: "Joshua has improved a lot in how he holds the ball. That should give him a lot of confidence. He influences the game. He needs to maintain that level in training."
The victory marked United's first win since October and came at a significant venue, as it was Palace's first defeat at Selhurst Park in the Premier League since February 15. The result provides momentum for Amorim's side as they look to climb the Premier League table after what the manager had previously described as a "sputtering start" to the season.
