Zirkzee ends goal drought to inspire Man Utd victory at Palace
Joshua Zirkzee netted his first Premier League strike in almost a year, setting the stage for Mason Mount's decisive effort as Manchester United overturned a deficit to triumph 2-1 over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim's team fell behind courtesy of Jean-Philippe Mateta's opening-half spot-kick at Selhurst Park, yet Zirkzee and Mount found the target after the break to deliver United's initial success in their past four fixtures.
The squad rebounded from a dismal opening thanks to Zirkzee's maiden Premier League goal since his effort against Everton in December 2024.
The Dutch forward, often criticised, had endured a 24-match barren run in the league, fuelling views that his £36 million ($47.7million) transfer from Bologna in 2024 proved unwise.
At 24 years old, Zirkzee had not scored in any of his prior eight outings stretching back to April.
Bothered by injuries, Mount has faced challenges since his switch from Chelsea to United, with this marking only his second goal of the campaign.
Following their loss to Everton's reduced squad at Old Trafford on Monday, this marked United's first win since October, offering vital relief to Amorim.
Palace's initial Premier League home defeat at Selhurst Park since 15 February highlighted the toughness of United's determined comeback in the chilly conditions of south London.
Amorim had declared earlier in the week that United had "no excuses" for their faltering season launch after the previous year's issues.
He must have felt eased seeing United push hard to overcome the FA Cup champions, who have troubled top Premier League teams since Oliver Glasner assumed control.
Casemiro could have opened the scoring within the opening minute after a lengthy throw disrupted the Palace backline, but the Brazilian's effort from close range was turned away by Dean Henderson.
United revival
Mateta wasted a similar chance for Palace, the French forward shrugging off Leny Yoro before pulling his shot astray with only United custodian Senne Lammers left to face.
Lammens had to intervene to stop Daichi Kamada's effort from distance, while Yoro then denied Yeremy Pino's attempt on goal.
United were under pressure, making it no shock when Palace went ahead in the 36th minute.
Yoro gave away the penalty via a reckless challenge on Mateta, who converted from the spot only for his effort to be ruled out due to a double-touch on the ball.
Under a fresh rule this season, unintentional double-touches on successful penalties allow a retake.
This adjustment followed an incident last season where Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez saw his penalty against Real Madrid nullified for the same reason.
Given another opportunity, Mateta slotted the ball assuredly beyond Lammens.
Scarcely involved during the initial period, Zirkzee emerged as Amorim's surprising hero with the leveller in the 54th minute.
Latching onto Bruno Fernandes' set-piece, Zirkzee cushioned the ball on his chest and rifled an impressive shot beyond Henderson into the distant corner from a tight position.
Moments later, Zirkzee almost scored an own goal, diverting the ball towards Lammens' goal before it was cleared away.
Nevertheless, United gained traction, and Mount handed them the advantage in the 63rd minute.
Fernandes played a short free-kick to Mount, who unleashed a fierce low shot beneath the Palace barrier and past Henderson from 20 yards out.