Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim singled out Joshua Zirkzee for special praise after the Dutch striker sparked a crucial second-half comeback against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Zirkzee Ends Drought to Spark Comeback
The Red Devils found themselves trailing at a challenging Selhurst Park after Jean-Phillipe Mateta converted a first-half penalty for the hosts. The situation looked precarious for the visitors until the interval, when Amorim delivered some pointed words to his squad.
The team emerged after the break with renewed purpose, and it was Joshua Zirkzee who equalised shortly after half-time with a well-taken strike. The goal was particularly significant as it marked his first in 25 Premier League appearances, ending a prolonged drought for the former Bayern Munich player.
Mount Completes the Turnaround
With momentum firmly on their side, United continued to press forward. The comeback was completed when Mason Mount flipped the game on its head with what proved to be the winning goal. Both United strikes originated from creative set-piece deliveries by captain Bruno Fernandes.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Amorim emphasised the importance of Zirkzee's contribution beyond just the goal. "It's so important for the strikers to score goals," the Portuguese coach stated. "He's not playing many minutes but the way he responds in the second-half is so important. It is more important than just the goals."
Set-Piece Prowess Proves Crucial
The victory highlighted United's growing effectiveness from dead-ball situations. The club has now scored from 10 set pieces this season, matching the tally of table-topping Arsenal.
Amorim acknowledged this strength, noting: "It's so important in our league because it's hard to play against every opponent. You can sense throw-ins, free-kicks, corners, to score a goal and open the game to give confidence to the team. In the Premier League, if you don't work on set pieces, you are losing the game already."
The manager also highlighted the broader improvement in his team's performance after the break, pointing to increased intensity and better control in the second half. He specifically praised Zirkzee's improved ball control and the team's more effective defending of second balls as key factors in the turnaround.
United will now aim to build on this vital away win when they host West Ham at Old Trafford in midweek, followed by a trip to face struggling Wolves at Molineux.
