EPL: Zirkzee and Mount Fire Manchester United to Comeback Win

Red Devils overcome 1-0 halftime deficit to beat Crystal Palace 2-1

Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scoring in the second half.

Set-pieces proved to be United's saving grace, and another one just beyond the hour mark sealed the comeback...

Manchester United made a stunning comeback to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park, leapfrogging their opponents into the Premier League top six. The Red Devils trailed at halftime after Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a penalty, but Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scored in the second half to secure the win.

Zirkzee, who hadn't scored in the Premier League since December 2024, ended a 24-game drought with a superb finish, chesting down a Bruno Fernandes free-kick before firing home from a tight angle. Mount then scored the winner, unleashing a low shot through a sea of Palace legs after another Fernandes free-kick.

The victory marked United's first win in four games and ended Palace's 12-match unbeaten home league run. Manager Ruben Amorim praised his team's intensity and attention to detail, saying, “We increased the rhythm in the second half and took advantage of the opponent's fatigue.”

Diogo Dalot's long throw caused chaos in the Eagles' box, and Dean Henderson had to make a crucial save to deny Casemiro's effort from point-blank range. The Brazilian then headed wide from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, but United's threat was short-lived in the first half, with the low winter sun causing issues at the back.

United's struggles in the first half were evident, with the sun shining in their defenders' eyes. Despite some promising moments, they failed to trouble the Eagles' goal, and the hosts remained in control.

Jean-Philippe Mateta created two chances for himself, but failed to capitalize, dragging both shots wide. Meanwhile, Senne Lammens made crucial saves to deny Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton. The hosts' pressure mounted, and Leny Yoro's block of Yeremy Pino's volley was a key moment, but he soon gave away a penalty, tripping Mateta in the box.

Mateta stepped up to take the penalty and converted, giving Crystal Palace the lead. The goal was a turning point, but Manchester United would eventually come back to win the game.

Mateta converted the penalty, but it was initially retaken due to a double touch. He made no mistake on the retake, sending Lammens the wrong way and scoring his 17th league goal of 2025. This was his seventh successful spot-kick from seven attempts, a remarkable record.

The goal sent Crystal Palace into halftime with a 1-0 lead, and they looked to be in control. However, Manchester United would come out strong in the second half, and their patience would pay off with two goals.

A win on the road for @ManUtd after they come from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 💪 pic.twitter.com/3EH5cvMoFN

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 30, 2025

Manchester United's fortunes changed dramatically after halftime, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring a stunning equalizer in the 54th minute. The Dutch striker, who hadn't scored in 24 league games, chested down a Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volleyed it into the far corner, catching Dean Henderson off guard.

Set-pieces proved to be United's saving grace, and another one just beyond the hour mark sealed the comeback. Mason Mount scored the winner, unleashing a low shot through a sea of Palace legs after Fernandes' free-kick was touched into his path.

Mason Mount scored the winner, rifling a low shot underneath the Palace wall and in at the near post, sending the away fans wild. The goal was a perfect response for Ruben Amorim's men, coming after a tough defeat to Everton last week.

Crystal Palace had chances to stage a late comeback, but Manchester United controlled the closing stages, securing a crucial 2-1 win. This was United's second win in 12 away league games, and it moves them up to 6th place in the Premier League table.