Manchester United finally tasted victory at Selhurst Park for the first time since July 2020, overturning a frustrating first-half deficit to beat Crystal Palace in South London.
The match began in unsettling fashion for the Red Devils, who looked sluggish and disjointed as Jean-Philippe Mateta slotted home a penalty just before half-time.
Palace, playing only a few days after their Europa League clash against Strasbourg, initially seemed fresher and sharper, leaving United chasing shadows in the opening 45 minutes.
But after the break, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side showed patience and precision, scoring twice from set-pieces to snatch all three points.
Set-Pieces Deliver the Decisive Touch
The second half highlighted why set-pieces remain such a key weapon for United.
Joshua Zirkzee equalised with a volley from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, while Mason Mount’s low strike from another Fernandes delivery sealed the comeback.
Fernandes now sits on 56 Premier League assists for United, surpassing Paul Scholes and moving closer to legends like Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, and David Beckham.
For a team struggling to create from open play — their xG in the first half barely registered at 0.01 — these dead-ball routines proved vital.
Palace Run Out of Steam After Busy Schedule
Despite a bright start, Palace faded after half-time, showing the effects of a congested schedule.
Mateta missed two early chances that could have put the game beyond United’s reach, while Daichi Kamada’s tame effort kept the hosts in the contest.
Manager Ruben Glasner expressed his frustration post-match, pointing to a lack of squad depth and injuries: “It’s clearly our fault.
We missed strengthening in the summer, and the players are giving everything in what is our 22nd game.”
The busy calendar and injuries, including Ismaila Sarr leaving the field, clearly took their toll on the Eagles.
Joshua Zirkzee Finds Form at the Perfect Time
Zirkzee, who has endured a rollercoaster debut season at United, provided the breakthrough that kept the Red Devils in the game.
Coming off criticism for his role in Monday’s defeat to Everton, the Dutchman’s confident movement and timely finish from Fernandes’ free-kick earned him his first Premier League goal in a year.
“His runs and ability to get into the right positions were key,” Glasner said.
“Even though he struggled in the first half, he showed quality after the break and helped the team a lot.”
The goal may be a turning point for Zirkzee, whose loan prospects in January have been the subject of speculation.
Diogo Dalot Steps Up on the Flank
Solskjaer’s comments in the build-up about Patrick Dorgu’s nerves were loud and clear, and Diogo Dalot seized his opportunity at left wing-back.
His composed play and ability to win fouls that led directly to both United goals were standout contributions.
Even when Dorgu replaced Dalot in injury time, he showed maturity and cleverness, winning a late free-kick to help see out the match.
Solskjaer praised both: “They have a lot of quality; they just need to be confident and express themselves with pace and intensity.”
VAR Drama Adds a Twist to Mateta’s Penalty
Before the half-time break, Mateta’s penalty stirred some confusion.
After being fouled by Leny Yoro, he scored, but VAR ruled he had accidentally touched the ball twice, prompting a retake — a first under this season’s Premier League rules.
Mateta calmly converted the second attempt, maintaining his reputation as a tricky opponent for United.
Despite the early scare, United’s defence, anchored by young players like Yoro, managed to recover and handle the Frenchman’s threats, showing resilience under pressure.
Victory Offers Momentum and Confidence
By overturning a first-half deficit, Manchester United not only ended a long winless streak at Selhurst Park but also put Monday’s disappointing defeat to Everton behind them.
Set-piece mastery, Zirkzee’s finishing, and Dalot’s steady display combined to deliver a hard-earned three points and a morale boost for the squad as they continue their Premier League campaign.
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