Manchester United overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park in the Premier League. Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the hosts the lead from a retaken penalty, but goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount turned the game in the second half. The victory propelled United into the European places.
Crystal Palace started strongly at Selhurst Park, dominating early possession and creating chances through Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada in midfield. Jean-Philippe Mateta was a constant threat, nearly scoring twice before winning a penalty on 32 minutes after a foul by Leny Yoro. Mateta's initial spot-kick was saved due to a double touch, but he converted the retake low into the corner, giving Palace a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.
Manchester United struggled in the first half, with Casemiro their main outlet and Joshua Zirkzee quiet up front. However, the second half saw a marked improvement in intensity, as manager Ruben Amorim noted post-match.
United equalized in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes delivered a free-kick from the left. Zirkzee controlled the ball on his chest in a tight space and fired low past Dean Henderson from a narrow angle, ending his goal drought. Palace manager Oliver Glasner responded by substituting Wharton and Kamada, but United capitalized further on 63 minutes. Fernandes again provided the assist, sliding the ball to Mason Mount, who struck low across the keeper for his second league goal of the season.
The closing stages saw Palace push with crosses from Daniel Muñoz (noted as Pino in some reports) and efforts from substitute Eddie Nketiah, but United managed the game effectively to secure the points.
Amorim praised his team's response: “I think we had more intensity in the second half. We played better and the opponents were more tired, so everything is connected. The small things, the way Josh [Zirkzee] controls the ball was different... It’s so important for a striker to score goals.” The win highlighted United's set-piece prowess and lifted them into European contention.
