Manchester United fans have something to smile about again. After a very alarming defeat against an Everton reduced to ten at home (0-1) last Monday, the Red Devils won on the pitch of Crystal Palace (1-2), following a good second half. It was the Mancuniens who caused the first scare in their opponent: on a mix-up in the Eagles’ area after a long touch, Bryan Mbeumo deflected the ball and Casemiro found himself close to finishing from close range at the far post, without success. What followed was a fairly unbridled first act, with times of possession shared between the two teams, but where only Palace accumulated the chances. At the helm of almost all of the London offensives, Adam Wharton launched Mateta on the right wing, the attacker creating a first opportunity with a strike which ended in the side net (8th). A few minutes later, Mateta missed a huge opportunity by shooting wide following a missed interception by Lenny Yoro (15th). The former Mainz man made amends in the 36th minute by converting a penalty in two stages, his first attempt being canceled due to an unintentional double touch. Coming into play in place of an injured Ismaïla Sarr (38th), Eddie Nketiah could have increased his team’s advantage, but he took too long to decide and allowed the return of Lenny Yoro on his shot (45th + 3), while his teammate Daniel Muñoz was alone at the far post.
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The dynamics changed upon returning from the locker room. Ruben Amorim’s players readjusted their pressing, while Oliver Glasner’s players lost control. The visitors regained the score on a set piece hit by Bruno Fernandes. Off-center on the left of the area, Joshua Zirkzee controlled with his chest before finishing with his left from a tight angle. Manchester United’s second goal also came from a free kick. From the same area, Bruno Fernandes served Mason Mount, whose low shot from the right deceived Dean Henderson at the near post. Despite numerous changes, the Eagles struggled to respond and worry young goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Also note the entry into play of Lisandro Martínez (82nd), who had not played since February 2025 due to a cruciate ligament injury. With this success, Manchester United overtakes its opponent of the day in the standings and returns to two points from the podium (Chelsea, 23 points), before the Blues’ match against Arsenal at 5:30 p.m.
