United Turn the Game Around at Selhurst Park

Palace All Over United at the Start

Crystal Palace started much stronger and could have scored several goals. Their pressure finally paid off when Jean-Philippe Mateta won a penalty and scored it on the retake. United looked slow, nervous and unable to deal with Palace’s speed and energy.

Adam Wharton controlled the midfield, Mateta kept getting chances and Palace pushed United back again and again. Even losing Ismaïla Sarr to an ankle injury didn’t stop their attacks. United were lucky to reach half-time only one goal down.

United Wake Up After the Break

Ruben Amorim asked his players to show more life, and they finally reacted. A quick free kick from Bruno Fernandes surprised Palace, and Joshua Zirkzee controlled the ball with his chest before turning and scoring into the far corner. It was his first league goal in a long time and completely changed the mood.

Soon after, Zirkzee won another free kick on the edge of the box. Fernandes rolled the ball to Mason Mount, who fired a powerful shot past Dean Henderson. From being badly outplayed, United suddenly led.

Palace Lose Control

Palace had been the better team for most of the match, but after going behind they struggled to respond. Without Sarr’s pace, they couldn’t break United down again. Manager Oliver Glasner was unhappy after the game, especially with the goals conceded from set pieces and the lack of squad depth.

A Big Result for Amorim

United were poor in the first half but strong in the second. They stayed in the match, took their chances and defended well at the end. The win moves them above Palace in the table and gives Amorim something positive to build on.