By Ireti Asemota.
Manchester United snapped a four-game winless streak with a gritty 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, December 1, 2025, thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s first Premier League goal in nearly a year and a stunning Mason Mount strike. Rúben Amorim’s side trailed to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty but roared back in the second half, climbing to 10th and easing pressure on the beleaguered boss.
First Half: Palace Punish United’s Sloppiness
United started brightly—Casemiro spurned a golden chance in the 1st minute, parried by Dean Henderson after chaos from a long throw. Palace countered: Mateta dragged wide one-on-one, but Daichi Kamada tested Senne Lammens, and Leny Yoro blocked Yeremy Pino.
The breakthrough came in the 36th: Yoro’s rash lunge on Mateta earned a penalty. Mateta converted, but a double-touch VAR review (new 2025 rule) allowed a retake—he nailed it again, sending Lammens the wrong way.
United were toothless, anonymous in attack—Zirkzee particularly quiet.
Second Half Turnaround: Zirkzee Strikes, Mount Seals It
Amorim’s halftime tweaks sparked life. In the 54th, Bruno Fernandes lofted a free-kick; Zirkzee chested it down and unleashed a thunderbolt from an impossible angle, curling across Henderson into the far corner for his first PL goal since December 2024 vs. Everton (24-game drought ended). The £36m Bologna buy, maligned for inconsistency, erupted in joy—his first since April.
United pushed: Zirkzee nearly gifted Palace a gift goal with a deflection, but Palace couldn’t capitalize. In the 63rd, Fernandes rolled a free-kick to Mount, who rifled a low 20-yarder under the wall and past Henderson—his second goal of the season, silencing doubters since his £55m Chelsea exit.
Palace wilted—their first PL home loss since February 15. United saw it out, despite late pressure.
Post-Match: Amorim’s Relief, Palace’s Pain
Amorim: “We deserved to lose at Everton, but today we showed fight. Joshua’s goal changes everything—he’s our spark.” Zirkzee: “Finally! I’ve been waiting too long.” Mount: “For the fans—back to winning ways.”
Oliver Glasner’s Palace (FA Cup holders) drop to 5th, stunned after three straight wins and a 3-0 Barca thumping. Mateta: “Gutted—penalty was soft, but we dominated.”
Standings Impact
- Man Utd: 10th (3 pts off top 4; first win since October).
- Palace: 5th (streak snapped).
Next: Utd host Palace? Wait—no, Palace away for Utd in return? Nah—Utd at Palace was the fixture. Wait, the match was Utd at Palace—Utd win moves them up.
Amorim’s honeymoon continues; Zirkzee’s redemption arc begins. A vital three points—United march on!
#ManUtd #ZirkzeeGoal #MountStrike #PremierLeague #ArneSlot
