Bruno Fernandes explained a significant boost seen during Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, with Diogo Dalot in agreement.
Manchester United staged an impressive turnaround on Sunday, overturning a halftime deficit with second-half goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount to secure a 2–1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
The match began at a lively pace as Jean-Philippe Mateta and Casemiro both created early chances despite the intense sunshine in South London, which made conditions difficult. Palace soon gained control and won a penalty after Leny Yoro brought down Mateta in the area.
Mateta’s first attempt was ruled out for a double touch, but he converted the retake with confidence. The hosts continued to push forward, while United found it difficult to establish any rhythm before halftime.
United returned with greater purpose after the break and equalised through Zirkzee. The Dutch striker controlled a Bruno Fernandes free kick on his chest, turned sharply and fired past Dean Henderson from a tight angle.
With 30 minutes remaining, a well-worked set piece created the opening for Mount to put United in front. Palace pressed hard for a response, but Rúben Amorim’s side defended with discipline to secure an important three points.
Lisandro Martinez’s return to the side is crucial
Man Utd’s impressive comeback performance against Crystal Palace was capped off by Lisandro Martinez’s return to the side in the 82nd minute, having been out on the sidelines since February.
After the game, while speaking to MUTV, Fernandes highlighted the importance of the return of his Argentine teammate, saying, “Obviously, it’s very important to have him back. He was out for such a long time, and even for himself, it’s a big moment. It’s great for him to be back with the team and to feel what it’s like to play games again.
We know how much he struggled being out and not being able to play for us. Now he’s back—one more option for us, adding such big quality to the team—so we’re very, very happy about it.”
Diogo Dalot was also clearly happy to see the return of the 27-year-old to the first team, taking to Instagram to post a picture of the duo embracing, with the caption: “he’s back”, followed by a heart.
Martinez return could solve Amorim’s wingback frustrations
Despite struggling in recent seasons, Luke Shaw has thrived recently, starting every game of the season so far as the left-sided centre-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup.
While Amad has performed well as United’s right wing-back, developing great chemistry with Mbeumo down the right flank, United’s left side has been an area that has left Amorim frustrated.
Dalot, a natural right-back, has been the preferred option to start at left wing-back, with Patrick Dorgu struggling for game time. With Martinez’s return to the side, it’s expected that he will slot back into Shaw’s current position on the left side of the back three.
As a result, Shaw will most likely be pushed to be United’s starting left wing-back, and could end Amorim’s recent decision headache, with Shaw having a great chance of being able to adapt well to that role.
Amorim will be hoping that Shaw and Matheus Cunha or Mount can replicate the right flank’s chemistry, as United continue to develop as a squad.
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