Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United: The Red Devils looked set for another frustrating afternoon at Selhurst Park, but goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount turned the game on its head.
Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to move within one point of the top four in the Premier League.
United were once again behind at half-time thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty. The Frenchman was forced to try again due to a double touch, but was also successful on his second attempt.
Joshua Zirkzee equalized early in the second half with his first Premier League goal since December last year. United then made a turnaround when Mason Mount’s strike beat Dean Henderson.
The win leaves Ruben Amorim’s side sixth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland, while Palace are one point behind the Red Devils. Here are some of the talking points about Selhurst Park:
read more: Manchester United become first team affected by rule change after Jean-Philippe Mateta penaltyread more: Ruben Amorim explains why Manchester United star was dropped after ‘ridiculing him on social media’
there are enough chances
The story of the first quarter of the match was a number of half-chances for both teams. In fact, United could have taken the lead within the opening minutes.
A rare long throw from the Red Devils caused confusion for the hosts and Casemiro looked certain to score, but a fine save from Dean Henderson thwarted him.
Palace seized the momentum from that point, creating great chances through Adam Wharton, Mateta and Daichi Kamata, but none of them found the back of the net.
Who was named Man of the Match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United? Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Practice makes perfect
After missing all those chances, Palace had the clearest chance of the game to take the lead, and it came from the penalty spot. A great pass from Wharton sent Mateta into the penalty area and the striker was tripped up by compatriot Lenny Yolo.
Mateta, as expected, was a man who accepted responsibility and easily converted past Senne Ramens. However, his celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled that Mateta had touched the ball twice during the scoring process.
The rule change allowed Mateta to take the spot-kick again, and although the direction changed, the result was still the same as the forward’s stroke home, sending Lamence flying in the opposite direction.
Zirkzee breaks the duck
While Mateta has scored regularly for Palace over the past year, the same cannot be said for Man United’s Zirksee. The Dutchman scored just three goals in the Premier League last season and had failed to score a single goal this season until the trip to Selhurst Park.
Immediately after the break, Zirkzee grabbed Bruno Fernandes’ free kick, controlled the ball with his chest and calmed down for a moment. He then took a powerful shot that sailed past Henderson and into the net.
This was Zirksee’s first goal in 25 Premier League games. And while he still has some work to do to show he can consistently lead United’s line in the absence of more established options, he will be thrilled to finally get on the scoresheet.
unite the new set piece kings
United’s equalizer came from a set-piece and came from a player who has struggled for form this season. And the second child ended up being born under very similar circumstances.
Another free-kick from Fernandes on the edge of the box was pushed towards substitute Mount, whose low shot crashed through the wall and into the back of the goal.
It was the Red Devils’ 10th goal from set-pieces this season, the same number as leaders Arsenal.
Palace’s European hangover continues
Palace haven’t had their best time in Europe this season. Oliver Glassner’s team currently sits in 18th place in the conference league with a 2-2 record in their first four games.
And their commitment to Europe appears to be having an impact on the tone at home as well. Palace are yet to win a league stage match in the Conference League.
Of course, that was always destined to happen for a team embarking on its first-ever European tour. But there’s no doubt that Glassner wants to fix it sooner rather than later.
Martinez is finally back!
Lisandro Martinez has suffered a serious knee injury and will be out for an extended period of time. But Amorim, who was named on the bench at Selhurst Park, saw fit to introduce him in the final 10 minutes.
His introduction was so popular that it was almost greeted as a goal by the away team. If he can regain the form he has already shown at Old Trafford, he could be a very useful addition to the team for the remainder of the season.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
