Joshua Zirkzee ended a year-long Premier League drought before Mason Mount struck the winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim’s men trailed at the break after Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty in the 36th minute, but second-half goals from Zirkzee and Mount secured United’s first victory in four matches.
Zirkzee’s equaliser — his first league goal since scoring against Everton in December 2024 and his first in 24 top-flight appearances — offered relief for the Dutch striker, whose £36 million move from Bologna has faced heavy scrutiny. The 24-year-old had been goalless in eight outings dating back to April.
Mount, who has endured an injury-hit and inconsistent spell since arriving from Chelsea, completed the comeback with only his second goal of the season. His low 20-yard strike from a cleverly worked free-kick put United ahead in the 63rd minute.
The win was a timely lift for Amorim after Monday’s defeat to 10-man Everton, and it ended Palace’s formidable unbeaten Premier League run at Selhurst Park dating back to February 15. Amorim had insisted there were “no excuses” for United’s slow start this season, and his players responded with grit against the FA Cup holders, who have troubled top sides under Oliver Glasner.
United were slow out of the blocks, surviving early scares as Senne Lammens denied Daichi Kamada and defender Leny Yoro blocked Yeremy Pino’s effort. Yoro then conceded the penalty that led to Mateta’s opener following a rash challenge. Mateta’s first successful spot-kick was ruled out for a double touch, but under a new rule introduced this season, the penalty was retaken, and the Frenchman made no mistake with his second attempt.
Zirkzee — anonymous in the first half — brought United level in the 54th minute with a superb chest control and angled strike across Dean Henderson. He almost scored an own goal moments later, but the visitors soon seized control.
Thirteen minutes after Zirkzee’s leveller, Mount’s driven effort under the wall completed the turnaround, giving United a much-needed boost as they try to rebuild momentum in the league.
