Manchester United Fight Back to Stun Palace and Climb into the Top Six

Manchester United dug deep in the capital to seal a precious 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace, ending the Eagles’ 12-match unbeaten home run and lifting Ruben Amorim’s side into sixth place. It was a match that demanded character, grit and composure qualities United have lacked for long stretches this season but they delivered them when it mattered most.

Palace began the afternoon with all the confidence of a side unbeaten at Selhurst Park since February. They flew out of the blocks, unsettling United instantly. Within seconds, Casemiro forced Dean Henderson into a double save from Dalot’s long throw. Mateta then went close twice one effort flashing wide, the other saved after a sharp spin inside the box. Adam Wharton dictated the tempo, Yeremy Pino threatened in transition, and Palace’s wing-backs pinned United deep.

The pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute. Wharton, again the architect, carved United open with a sublime ball into Mateta. Leny Yoro  already enduring a difficult afternoon clattered into the striker from behind, leaving referee Robert Jones with a straightforward decision. Mateta’s first penalty was chalked off for a double touch, but he kept his nerve on the retake, burying his seventh league goal of the season into the bottom-right corner.

Palace deserved their lead at the break. United, meanwhile, looked short of firepower and creativity, with Fernandes and Zirkzee particularly quiet.

Whatever Amorim said at half-time transformed his team.

Just nine minutes into the second half, United levelled. From a Bruno Fernandes free-kick delivered from the right, Zirkzee ghosted into space at a tight angle on the left, took the ball beautifully on his chest and somehow smashed it past Henderson from almost the byline. It ended a 24-match league drought and injected fire into United’s play.

The turnaround was completed in the 63rd minute and again Fernandes pulled the strings. Rolling the ball sideways from a set piece, he set up Mason Mount, who whipped a low, skidding strike inside the near post. It was Mount’s second league goal of the season and a moment of pure relief for a player who has battled confidence issues since arriving at Old Trafford.

From there, United showed the resilience that had been missing for months. Palace pushed hard Sarr, Wharton, and Pino all probed but United’s back line, marshalled by De Ligt and a more composed Yoro, held firm. Amorim’s men rotated possession sensibly, managed the tempo, and forced Palace into rushed decisions that blunted their edge.

For United, the result marks a vital shift in momentum and relief for a travelling fanbase that has witnessed too many collapses in London.

Selhurst Park finally fell silent as United celebrated a win they badly needed and one that may just spark their season into life.