Manchester United secured a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon as Ruben Amorim’s side completed a second-half comeback.
In a challenging trip away from home, Manchester United made a lively start, but Crystal Palace slowly took control and began testing Senne Lammens.
Neither side created many clear openings as the first half wore on, yet a needless foul from Leny Yoro gifted Palace a golden chance to take the lead. Jean-Philippe Mateta buried the penalty, having seen an earlier effort chalked off by VAR for a double touch.
United emerged for the second half looking sharper, and Joshua Zirkzee levelled the score with a brilliant strike from a tight angle.
Not long after, Mason Mount finished off a clever set-piece move by finding the bottom corner, turning the game in United’s favour. The visitors then held firm to secure all three points.
“Sensational” United star saved Amorim vs Palace
United’s comeback at a difficult ground like Selhurst Park was brilliant to see but they perhaps could have been two or three down before the break.
There was a golden chance for Palace midway through the first-half after a quick counter-attack but Luke Shaw saved Ruben Amorim’s side with a perfect last-ditch tackle.
It was the Englishman’s 300th game for United and while that was his best moment of the match, he was solid throughout and arguably the best player alongside Bruno Fernandes, who grabbed two assists.
Shaw’s performance was described as “sensational” as he completed 58 passes, six long balls and 13 passes into the final third.
He was strong defensively as well, winning three duels, making three interceptions and four clearances.
Will Shaw be used at wingback?
Lisandro Martínez was welcomed back onto the pitch for the first time since February on Sunday afternoon as he replaced Shaw late in the second half of the game.
It is a huge boost to have the Argentine back in action but Shaw’s performances have largely been solid this season and it will mean that Amorim does not have to rush Martínez back into regular football too soon.
When he is ready to start games, it would be interesting to see whether Shaw could operate as the left wingback in United’s system.
Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu have both struggled in that position and while there are question marks over Shaw’s fitness to play in that role, he is a clear upgrade on them both in possession.
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