Manchester United came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace, ending a five-year wait for a win at Selhurst Park and inflicting Palace's first home Premier League defeat since February. The comeback was sparked by Joshua Zirkzee's equaliser and completed by Mason Mount's sweet strike, both coming from set pieces in the second half.
Palace dominated the first half and took the lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta's retaken penalty after Leny Yoro was adjudged to have fouled the French striker. Mateta's initial spot-kick was ruled out for a double touch, but he scored on the retake. The hosts missed several chances to extend their lead, with Yeremy Pino and substitute Eddie Nketiah both failing to convert.
United manager Ruben Amorim made changes at half-time, and his side improved markedly after the break. The equaliser came in the 53rd minute when Bruno Fernandes' quick free kick caught Palace napping, allowing Zirkzee to chest down and volley into the far corner for his first Premier League goal in almost a year. Ten minutes later, a corner was only partially cleared, and Mount's sweet half-volley found the net to complete the turnaround.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed frustration at conceding two goals from set pieces and lamented the club's failure to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window. "Conceding two goals from set pieces makes it very frustrating," he said. "It's clearly our fault – we missed the chance to strengthen the squad in the summer."
The victory lifts United above Palace into seventh place in the Premier League, while Glasner's side remain without a league win after a midweek European fixture.
