Zirkzee, Mount lead United comeback win at Palace

Manchester United overturned a first-half deficit at Selhurst Park as Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount delivered a comeback win over Crystal Palace.

The victory lifted United back into the Premier League’s top six and ended a long wait for an away win at this stadium.

Palace took the lead in the first half through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who converted a twice-taken penalty after VAR intervened under the league’s new double-touch rule.

United struggled in the opening period and created little, continuing a run of low output at Selhurst Park.

Palace, encouraged by their early advantage, controlled most of the first half and pressed United into mistakes.

The visitors found no rhythm before the interval and rarely threatened Dean Henderson’s goal.

But the momentum shifted after the restart when Zirkzee pulled United level with a sharp strike from a tight angle.

The goal rewarded manager Ruben Amorim for keeping faith in the striker after recent ineffective performances.

It was Zirkzee’s first league goal in a year and came at a crucial moment for a United side searching for confidence.

United built on the equaliser and began to force Palace deeper as the second half progressed.

Mount completed the turnaround when he drove Bruno Fernandes’ short free-kick into the bottom corner.

The goal gave United control, and Palace struggled to respond as fatigue set in after their midweek European trip.

United managed the closing stages well, slowing the game and limiting Palace to half chances.

The defeat denied Palace a shot at the top four, while United ended a three-game run without victory ahead of next week’s fixtures.

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