In a crucial Premier League encounter on Sunday, Manchester United clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, marking their first win in four matches and providing much-needed relief for manager Ruben Amorim.
First-Half Struggles and Palace's Penalty
The match began with United showing early intent. Casemiro nearly scored within the first minute, but his close-range shot was saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Crystal Palace, however, grew into the game and created chances of their own. Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a key opportunity, failing to beat United's keeper Senne Lammens after getting past defender Leny Yoro.
The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute through a penalty. Yoro fouled Mateta in the box, leading to a spot-kick. Mateta's initial attempt was disallowed for a double-touch, a decision influenced by a new rule implemented this season that mandates a retake for such accidental violations. Mateta made no mistake with his second attempt, confidently sending Lammens the wrong way to give Palace the lead.
United's Second-Half Resurgence
Manchester United emerged from the break with renewed vigour. The equalizer came in the 54th minute from an unlikely source. Joshua Zirkzee, who had been quiet in the first half, scored a remarkable goal from a difficult angle after connecting with a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. This was his first Premier League goal since his strike against Everton in December 2024, ending a frustrating 24-game goalless streak in the league that had raised questions about his £36 million transfer from Bologna.
The turnaround was completed just nine minutes later. Mason Mount, who has battled injury setbacks since his move from Chelsea, scored the winning goal. He expertly guided a low free-kick from Fernandes under the Palace wall, beating Henderson from 20 yards out. This marked only his second goal of the season, making his contribution even more significant.
Significance of the Victory
This 2-1 win holds substantial importance for Manchester United. It is their first victory since October, ending a disappointing run of form. The result was particularly impressive as it ended Crystal Palace's unbeaten home record in the Premier League, which had stood since February 15. For manager Ruben Amorim, who had stated there were "no excuses" for the team's struggling start, this win provides a vital boost. The performances of Zirkzee and Mount, two players under scrutiny, will offer hope for a more consistent campaign ahead.
