Mansion Sports – Manchester United produced an impressive comeback performance in their Matchweek 13 encounter of the 2025/2026 Premier League season at Selhurst Park.

The match unfolded with high intensity, yet United managed to assert greater control in possession.

Crystal Palace opened the scoring through Jean-Philippe Mateta, while United responded with goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount.

This victory lifts Manchester United to sixth place in the standings with 21 points from 13 matches, whereas Crystal Palace sit in seventh position with 20 points.

First-Half Developments Between Crystal Palace and Manchester United

Crystal Palace applied pressure from the opening minutes, but Manchester United created the first meaningful opportunity through a long throw from Diogo Dalot.

A loose ball inside the penalty area fell to Casemiro, who attempted a close-range strike, though Dean Henderson reacted swiftly to secure it and displayed a confident gesture toward the home supporters.

Palace responded in the eighth minute through a determined effort by Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Using his physical strength, the striker outmuscled Matthijs de Ligt on the left side before firing a powerful shot into the side netting. Although off target, the attempt highlighted the home side’s attacking threat.

Another dangerous moment emerged in the 13th minute when Chris Richards’ long throw created chaos inside United’s box.

A flick-on redirected the ball toward Adam Wharton, who struck a forceful half-volley, but the shot travelled directly to Timo Lammens, allowing the goalkeeper to claim it comfortably.

Palace continued pressing in the 26th minute through a swift attack down the right flank. Daniel Muñoz delivered a curling cross that escaped Lammens’ reach, giving Yeremy Pino a shooting opportunity. Leny Yoro reacted decisively with a crucial block to prevent the ball from heading toward goal.

Tension escalated in the 32nd minute when Wharton supplied an intelligent pass to Mateta inside the penalty area.

Yoro, arriving late to close the space, brought Mateta down from behind, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Mateta converted the initial attempt, but VAR overturned the goal due to a double touch. A retake followed three minutes later, and Mateta successfully placed the ball into the lower right corner, giving Palace a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.

Second-Half Turnaround by Manchester United

Manchester United returned from the interval with increased aggression and found the equaliser in the 54th minute.

From a set-piece situation, Bruno Fernandes delivered a free-kick toward the left side of the penalty box, where Joshua Zirkzee brought the ball down expertly with his chest before striking sharply from a tight angle past Henderson, ending his 24-match goal drought.

Momentum shifted decisively, and United overturned the scoreline nine minutes later. Mason Mount received the ball in front of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful low drive into the bottom-left corner.

Henderson was unable to respond in time due to his line of sight being obstructed, allowing United to move ahead 2–1.

With the lead secured, United adjusted the tempo and focused on maintaining control of the match.

Crystal Palace attempted to increase their attacking intensity, yet United remained disciplined in their defensive structure. As time wore on, Palace struggled to construct effective attacking sequences.

In the closing stages, Palace appeared to lack creativity in breaking down United’s defence. Jefferson Lerma drew attention as he circulated the ball sideways without identifying progressive options. 

When the final whistle sounded at 90+5 minutes, Manchester United successfully preserved their 2–1 advantage.

Match Statistics: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United