Manchester United overturned an early setback to defeat Crystal Palace 2–1 on Sunday, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount stepping up as unlikely match-winners for Ruben Amorim. Palace struck first through a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, but United returned after the break with renewed intent. Zirkzee powered in the equaliser before Mount delivered a precise finish from outside the area to seal the victory.
United nearly struck inside the opening minute when Dean Henderson denied Casemiro twice from close range following a long throw. The Brazilian midfielder soon had another big chance when he nodded a Bruno Fernandes cross narrowly off target.
Those opportunities were rare in a first half dominated by Palace. Confusion between Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro gifted Mateta a clear run on goal, but the forward dragged his effort wide. Moments later, Senne Lammens kept United alive with a crucial stop from Daichi Kamada, while Yoro recovered well to block a dangerous shot from Yeremy Pino.
However, it was Yoro’s rash tackle on Mateta that handed Palace a penalty. Although Mateta’s first attempt was ruled out for a double contact, he converted the retake to put the hosts ahead.
Just before the interval, De Ligt lost his footing and allowed Eddie Nketiah to break through, but Luke Shaw raced back to produce a vital block — an intervention that ultimately shifted momentum.
United emerged a transformed team in the second half, and captain Bruno Fernandes orchestrated the comeback with two brilliantly delivered free-kicks. Zirkzee levelled the score by cushioning the ball on his chest and smashing home from an improbable angle. Minutes later, Mount drilled a low strike through a disorganised Palace wall to complete the turnaround.
Though Palace pushed forward in the closing stages, United held firm to secure an impressive away victory.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Senne Lammens (6/10)
Conceded twice from the spot — though only one counted — yet made several key saves in the first half to prevent Palace from extending their lead.
Leny Yoro (5/10)
Produced an excellent block on Pino but undid his own work with a clumsy foul that resulted in the penalty. Substituted soon after United’s equaliser and looked visibly frustrated on the bench.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10)
A shaky first half from the Dutchman, who struggled physically against Mateta and made errors that led to chances for both the striker and Nketiah. Settled somewhat after the break.
Luke Shaw (7/10)
Delivered a match-saving challenge on Nketiah just before half-time. Strong defensively overall, with a booking the only blemish.
Midfield
Amad Diallo (6/10)
Did not enjoy as much attacking freedom as usual but worked tirelessly in the wing-back role, continuing to be an important part of Amorim’s system.
Casemiro (6/10)
Had two excellent opportunities to score and should have converted one. Found it difficult to control the midfield early on but improved significantly after the interval.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10)
Both goals stemmed from his intelligent set-piece deliveries. Fernandes influenced the match in both directions and played a central role in completing the turnaround.
Diogo Dalot (7/10)
Caused chaos with his long throw in the opening seconds and defended well against Daniel Muñoz, limiting the winger’s influence.
Attack
Bryan Mbeumo (6/10)
Lively and always threatening but lacked the finishing touch. Henderson denied him twice in promising positions.
Joshua Zirkzee (7/10)
Barely involved before the break, but his equaliser was superb — chest control and a stunning volley from a narrow angle reignited United’s hopes.
Mason Mount (7/10)
Delivered when it mattered most, drilling Fernandes’ quick free-kick into the far corner. A decisive moment from a player trying to rebuild confidence.
Subs & Manager
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10)
Replaced Yoro and was mostly solid, though he nearly gifted Palace a goal when he blasted the ball against Zirkzee, causing a dangerous ricochet.
Lisandro Martínez (N/A)
Returned from a long spell out with an ACL injury and calmly helped close out the match.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A)
Came on in stoppage time to help see out the result.
Patrick Dorgu (N/A)
Also featured in the final minutes alongside Mainoo.
Ruben Amorim (7/10)
His halftime adjustments were decisive. Starting Zirkzee and Mount proved inspired, as both delivered match-winning contributions.