Palace Falter After Bright Start as United Win 2-1 | OneFootball

Manchester United Fight Back to Beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in Premier League Clash

Manchester United climbed back into the Premier League’s top six with a determined 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, ending a difficult run of results and finally finding a way through a ground that has often frustrated them. Crystal Palace, chasing a place in the top four, dominated much of the opening period, but the visitors produced a composed second half to claim all three points.

United had not scored at Selhurst Park since early 2023 and had not won here since 2020, so the challenge felt substantial. Palace’s sharp start underlined that concern. Their pressing was coordinated, their movement crisp, and their opening goal was deserved. A penalty awarded after VAR intervention handed the home side the advantage, with Jean Philippe Mateta sending Senne Lammens the wrong way on the retake after an earlier infringement. For Palace, it was a moment of control, rhythm, and promise.

By half time, Palace’s confidence appeared well placed. Their transitions were quick, their duels dominant, and United struggled to find fluency. Palace also benefited from their early initiative, stretching the game and forcing the visitors into errors. Yet the match began to shift as the second half unfolded and the physical demands of their recent European trip began to show.

Palace Lose Grip After Positive Start

Fatigue played a decisive role in changing the momentum. Palace’s intensity dipped and their defensive structure began to loosen. Passes that found feet before the break started to fall short. United sensed the change and increased their pressure accordingly.

The penalty retake incident had already brought an unusual layer of drama to Palace’s first half, but the second half introduced a different kind of turning point. Slowly the hosts retreated deeper, no longer able to dictate tempo, and United grew bolder in possession. What had looked like a comfortable platform for Palace gradually became fragile.

United’s Comeback Led by Zirkzee and Mount

Manchester United’s revival came from two players who desperately needed defining contributions. Joshua Zirkzee, criticised heavily since his arrival and often overshadowed by more established forwards, repaid faith with a powerful finish early in the second half. His angled drive flew low and hard across goal, beating Dean Henderson and giving United the spark they lacked in the first 45 minutes.

Moments later, United turned the match entirely. Mason Mount reacted quickest to a clever free kick routine on the edge of the Palace area, striking low into the far corner. The technique was calm, the timing precise, and suddenly United held a lead that had seemed unlikely only minutes earlier.

From that point, Ruben Amorim’s side managed the match professionally. Palace, already feeling the effects of their midweek travel, struggled to muster the sustained pressure needed to equalise. United controlled the spaces, slowed the pace, and disrupted Palace’s attempts to build momentum. Their composure in the final stages secured a win that may yet prove vital in their push for European qualification.

What the Result Means

For Crystal Palace, the defeat was deeply frustrating. A win would have propelled them into the Premier League’s top four, and their first half display suggested they were ready to make that leap. However, their inability to maintain intensity and their vulnerability to United’s renewed confidence left them empty handed. Their next test, a demanding trip to Burnley in midweek, arrives quickly.

For Manchester United, this was a meaningful response after three matches without victory. Overcoming their poor record at Selhurst Park and recovering from a half time deficit demonstrated character as well as tactical adaptability. With West Ham visiting Old Trafford next, the opportunity to build rhythm and stability presents itself at an important stage of the season.