Manchester United produced a spirited second-half comeback to secure a crucial 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount overturning Jean-Philippe Mateta's first-half penalty.
Palace take controversial lead
The home side broke the deadlock in controversial circumstances after 36 minutes when French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty. The initial spot-kick was ordered to be retaken after VAR ruled Mateta had struck the ball twice with his first attempt, much to the frustration of the United players and travelling supporters.
Crystal Palace had dominated the first period, with United indebted to several crucial blocks from their defence. Luke Shaw made two outstanding interventions on his 300th appearance for the club to deny Yeremy Pino and Eddie Nketiah, keeping the scoreline respectable at the break.
United's second-half transformation
Ruben Amorim's half-time team talk clearly had the desired effect as United emerged with renewed purpose after the interval. The equaliser arrived in the 54th minute when Joshua Zirkzee marked his first league goal since December with a superb low finish from a tight angle, beating former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The turnaround was completed just nine minutes later when Mason Mount displayed excellent awareness to curl a free-kick around the Palace wall, catching Henderson off guard and sending the away fans into raptures. Palace manager Oliver Glasner was visibly furious on the touchline, arguing about the quick thinking that allowed United to take the set-piece.
United hold on for important victory
Despite late pressure from the hosts, including a stoppage-time free-kick from Justin Devenny that struck the wall, United managed the game professionally to secure all three points. The victory moves Amorim's side into the top half of the Premier League table, now sitting just four points behind rivals Manchester City.
This result represents a significant response from United following their disappointing home defeat to 10-man Everton earlier in the week. The character shown in recovering from a half-time deficit away from home will provide encouragement for the challenges ahead as United continue their push up the table.
