After a baffling clash with Everton on Monday which saw United end their unbeaten run as they struggled to break down the 10 man opposition, a clash with an impressive Palace side might not have been the perfect clash for Amorim’s side, however given Palace’s European travels, the game turned out to be a chance to pick up a morale boosting win for the team and some individuals as United head into the festive period picking up some positive form.

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Teams

Crystal Palace: Henderson, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell (Lerma 85′), Kamada (Devenny 85′), Wharton (Hughes 78′), Munoz, Pino (Uche 78′), Sarr (Nketiah 38′), Mateta

Subs: Benitez, Canvot, Clyne, Esse

Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw (Martinez 82′), De Ligt, Yoro (Mazraoui 54′), Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Amad (Mainoo 90′), Mount, Mbeumo (Dorgu 90′), Zirkzee

Subs: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, Ugarte, Lacey

Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United

Sunday’s clash at Crystal Palace vs Manchester United was another classic example of a game of two halves, and in the end, the visitors walked away with a 2–1 win. Palace grabbed a deserved lead in the first half when Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up to take a penalty in the 36th minute. His first attempt was disallowed for a double touch, but after a retake he coolly converted, giving the home fans real hope. Although United defended resiliently before the break, Palace looked to be in the box seat after a strong opening 45 minutes

However, Manchester United were a different beast after the restart. Just nine minutes into the second half, Joshua Zirkzee ended a lengthy Premier League drought with a terrific low-driven finish from a tight angle to level the match. That goal seemed to inject fresh belief into the visitors, and in the 63rd minute, Mason Mount rifled home a free-kick routine with precision and power to complete the turnaround. From that point on, United visibly imposed more energy and urgency, keeping Palace on the back foot until the final whistle.

For Palace, it was a bitter end to what had been a promising outing at home: their first domestic defeat at Selhurst Park since February, and a run of 12 games without a home loss in the league finally snapped. Meanwhile, United’s comeback lifts them into the upper reaches of the table, and will feel like a vital morale-boost, especially after recent doubts around their form. Credit to both sides, but hats off to United for grabbing their chance in the second half.

Talking Points

The victory moves United back into genuine contention for European places. After trailing at half-time, United showed the resilience many expected, and the win lifts them into the top six of the table, jumping above Palace. That kind of result, away from home, under pressure, and against a Palace side that had been formidable at Selhurst Park, could yet prove pivotal if United aim to finish the season in the top-six.

The goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount came at just the right time. Zirkzee ended a prolonged Premier League drought with a confident, low-driven strike from a tight angle, the first league goal for him in almost a year, to level the match and swing momentum United’s way. Then Mount stepped up with a crisp, well-placed finish from a set-piece just nine minutes later, putting United ahead and ultimately sealing the comeback win.

Credit must go to Bruno Fernandes for the intelligence behind Mount’s goal. His quick thinking from the free kick, spotting the opportunity, laying off the ball sharply, presented Mount with the chance to curl the ball around a poorly organised wall, and that moment of inventiveness proved decisive. It wasn’t just about finishing, but about vision and timing under pressure, exactly what United needed.