Manchester United roared back to winning ways on Saturday, overcoming Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park thanks to second-half strikes from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount.
Ruben Amorim had come under renewed scrutiny after Monday’s dismal home defeat to 10-man Everton halted a promising five-match unbeaten stretch.
And when Jean-Philippe Mateta put Palace ahead from a retaken penalty in the 36th minute, it looked like another difficult night was unfolding for the Portuguese manager.
Mateta initially saw his first effort ruled out after striking the ball twice, but he kept his cool with the retake, beating Senne Lammens to send the home fans into raptures.
Palace continued to apply pressure, with Yéremy Pino and Adam Wharton constantly troubling United’s reshuffled backline. Luke Shaw, on his 300th United appearance, produced two crucial blocks to keep the deficit at one.
United responded with renewed intensity after the break. Nine minutes into the second half, Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint free kick toward Zirkzee, who spun away from Daichi Kamada and drilled a low, powerful strike into the far corner.
It was his first Premier League goal since December, ending a frustrating 25-game drought.
The visitors completed their comeback in the 63rd minute, again from a cleverly taken Fernandes set piece.
This time Mason Mount stepped up, bending a beautifully placed shot around the wall to wrong-foot former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Though Palace pushed for a late response, Eddie Nketiah headed wide and Justin Devenny’s stoppage-time free kick was blocked, the Reds held firm.
Victory ensured United climbed into the top half of the table, now just four points behind rivals Manchester City, as Amorim’s men celebrated a gritty and morale-boosting win.
