Joshua Zirkzee ended a year-long Premier League goal drought before Mason Mount struck the winner as Manchester United came from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim’s men trailed at halftime after Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty at Selhurst Park, but second-half goals from Zirkzee and Mount sealed United’s first victory in four matches.
Zirkzee’s equaliser was his first Premier League goal since scoring against Everton in December 2024, ending a run of 24 league games without finding the net. His struggles had intensified criticism over the £36 million ($47.7m) move from Bologna in 2024, and he had failed to score in his last eight appearances dating back to April.
Mount, whose United career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency since joining from Chelsea, then grabbed just his second goal of the season to complete the turnaround.
After Monday’s shock home defeat to 10-man Everton, Sunday’s win was a welcome boost for Amorim and lifted some pressure off a side yet to find consistency this season. Palace’s defeat was their first at Selhurst Park in the league since February 15, underscoring the resilience of United’s comeback in icy south London.
United nearly struck inside the opening minute when Casemiro forced Dean Henderson into an early save, but Palace soon took control. Mateta fired wide with only Senne Lammens to beat before the United goalkeeper denied Daichi Kamada and Leny Yoro blocked Yeremy Pino’s strike.
Palace eventually broke through in the 36th minute after Yoro tripped Mateta in the box. The striker’s first successful penalty was ruled out for an accidental double touch, a situation now replayed under this season’s updated rules before he scored at the second attempt.
Zirkzee, anonymous before the interval, responded with a superb 54th-minute leveller. Latching onto Bruno Fernandes’ free kick, he chested the ball down and rifled a stunning strike across Henderson from an improbable angle.
United pressed on, and nine minutes later Mount put them in front. Fernandes rolled a free-kick into his path, and Mount drove a low shot under the Palace wall and beyond Henderson from 20 yards.
United held firm to claim a much-needed win and breathe new life into a faltering campaign.
AFP
