Manchester United produced a dramatic second-half turnaround to claim a vital 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, securing their first win at the ground in over five years.
Palace dominance fails to yield reward
Oliver Glasner's side took control early, with Jean-Philippe Mateta converting from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Leny Yoro's clumsy challenge. The first half saw Palace completely dominate proceedings, with United registering an Expected Goals (xG) from open play of just 0.01 and struggling to cope with the home side's intensity.
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens made five crucial saves during the opening period to keep his team in contention, while Luke Shaw marked his 300th appearance for the club with several important interventions, including a remarkable block with his backside to deny Eddie Nketiah.
United's second-half transformation
The game transformed completely after the break as United manager Ruben Amorim's tactical adjustments paid dividends. The equaliser arrived when Bruno Fernandes, who had been quiet in the first half, delivered a perfectly executed training ground free-kick routine that Joshua Zirkzee converted to haul United level.
Diogo Dalot, who had faced recent criticism from his manager, responded emphatically by winning both free-kicks that led to United's goals. His constant running caused persistent problems for the Palace defence throughout the second period.
Mount delivers the winner
The decisive moment came from another set-piece as Mason Mount took ownership of a second dead-ball situation, drilling low and hard into the net to complete the comeback. Mount, who had been largely anonymous during the first half, demonstrated exactly why managers value his contribution with both his goal and relentless off-the-ball work.
For Palace, the defeat represented a costly collapse after their dominant first-half display. Adam Wharton controlled midfield proceedings early on, but the hosts tired significantly as the game progressed, allowing United to seize control.
The victory provides a significant boost for United's European ambitions while leaving Palace to reflect on what might have been after failing to capitalise on their first-half superiority.
