Manchester United battled from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scoring in the second half to overturn a first-half penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta at Selhurst Park.
The win ended United’s four-game run without a victory and marked their first Premier League triumph since October.
Ruben Amorim’s team had fallen behind after a sluggish opening period, but Zirkzee revived United with his first Premier League goal since December 2024, when he last scored against Everton. The Dutch forward, who had endured 24 league matches without finding the net and faced growing scrutiny over his £36 million move from Bologna, struck midway through the second half to spark United’s turnaround.
Before Sunday, Zirkzee had gone eight straight appearances without scoring, highlighted by injuries that also affected midfielder Mason Mount, who has similarly battled inconsistency since joining from Chelsea. Mount, who had only one goal this season prior to the match, secured the win with a well-placed strike in the 63rd minute.
United’s latest setback before the match — a home defeat to 10-man Everton — had intensified pressure on Amorim. Sunday’s comeback therefore provided much-needed relief and represented a significant challenge overcome, as Palace had not lost a Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park since February 15.
Amorim had earlier insisted there were “no excuses” for United’s sluggish form, particularly after last season’s struggles. His players responded with determination against the FA Cup holders, who have consistently troubled top-flight opponents under Oliver Glasner.
Casemiro nearly opened the scoring inside a minute when a long throw unsettled the Palace defence, but Dean Henderson blocked his close-range effort. At the other end, Mateta missed a clear chance, dragging his strike wide after holding off Leny Yoro. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens made key saves, including stops against Daichi Kamada and Yeremy Pino, as Palace increased pressure.
The deadlock eventually broke in the 36th minute after Yoro’s foul on Mateta resulted in a penalty. Mateta initially scored, but the goal was ruled out for a double touch, a violation adjusted under this season’s rule changes. Because the accidental double touch had led to a successful kick, the penalty was retaken. Given a second chance, Mateta calmly scored past Lammens.
Zirkzee, invisible throughout the first half, emerged as the unexpected driving force behind United’s resurgence. In the 54th minute, he controlled Bruno Fernandes’ free kick on his chest before unleashing a superb shot across Henderson from an extremely tight angle. Moments later, he nearly deflected the ball into his own net, but United survived the scare.
The visitors continued to build momentum, and Mount completed the comeback nine minutes later. After Fernandes nudged a free kick toward him, Mount drilled a low shot beneath Palace’s defensive wall and into the net from 20 yards, sealing a crucial three points for United.
What You Should Know
This victory offers Manchester United a confidence-boosting step forward after weeks of inconsistent performances.
It also marks significant redemption for Zirkzee and Mount, both of whom have faced questions regarding their form.
The result breaks Palace’s long unbeaten home stretch and gives United a platform to rebuild momentum as Amorim continues reshaping the squad’s competitive edge.
