Forget Bruno & Zirkzee – Man Utd owe comeback to ‘superb’ Red who kept them in the match | OneFootball

Manchester United had a woeful first half against Crystal Palace, but things could have been worse if it wasn’t for Luke Shaw.

The Red Devils are looking to make amends following Monday’s shocking display against Everton.

However, they found themselves facing their second defeat of the week, as the Eagles took a well-deserved lead after dominating the action in the first half at Selhurst Park.

Man United looked woeful in the first half against Crystal Palace

Casemiro spurned an early chance for the visitors, and Ruben Amorim’s men never tested Dean Henderson afterwards.

On the other hand, Palace had a string of inviting opportunities, and they eventually broke the deadlock from the spot, when Leny Yoro clumsily brought down his compatriot, Mateta, who converted the penalty kick himself. While the first attempt had to be repeated due to a double touch, the second stood.

In addition to Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt was equally sluggish, struggling to maintain balance at times.

The Dutchman lost his footing on a Palace counterattack, allowing Eddie Nketiah to head towards goal. Nevertheless, Shaw made a heroic slide to block the shot in the nick of time.

(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Luke Shaw saves the day for Man Utd

This was the Englishman’s second crucial intervention at the back during the first 45 minutes, thus earning praise from The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.

“MUFC just so blunt in attack. Unless there is a dramatic shift in second half they will surrender to a second meek defeat in six days,” posted the journalist on his X account after the half-time whistle.

“Margin could be greater: Shaw with a superb block on Nketiah, moments after he stopped Pino’s shot in similar fashion.”

Interestingly, Amorim had hinted that Shaw could be moved to the wingback role following the return of Lisandro Martinez, but the London native has been solid at the back.

But despite Whitwell’s pessimism, Man Utd managed to turn the match on its head, with Joshua Zirkzee making the most of his half chance, finding the far corner from an acute angle with a wonderful finish, and Mason Mount completing the comeback thanks to another cheeky free-kick from Bruno Fernandes.