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Precisely as Ruben Amorim must have thought the team's momentum wasn't changing, Manchester United secured Crystal Palace's first home defeat in league competition since February.

Oliver Glasner's players started strongly justifiably opened the scoring via Jean-Philippe Mateta's repeated spot-kick. Yet they were unable to capitalize on their control following earlier difficulties to score against Palace, United struck back with a rapid double via Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount.

Difficult Encounter against The Eagles

It was a frustrating day concluding after multiple matches for the Palace boss, who saw the Senegalese international leave injured with a worrying issue in the first period.

The United manager likely maintained his feelings controlled while walking toward the dressing room immediately after the match's conclusion.

Tactical Changes

The Portuguese coach dismissed similarities regarding his and Glasner's strategic methods ahead of the match, although he acknowledged that the opposition "simply perform things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".

His response to the poor performance versus reduced Everton involved altering both wing-backs, with Amad Diallo shifting to the right side with the full-back replaced Patrick Dorgu.

Opening Opportunities

The visitors likely felt a chance to benefit given that they had extra rest days and almost went ahead within the first minute.

A long throw created confusion in the home penalty box however incredibly the former United goalkeeper produced a point-blank save at his goal line to deny Casemiro.

Palace's Superiority

The near miss served as a wake-up call for Glasner's men following the midday start which was determined for broadcast purposes.

Quickly opportunities started arriving in quick succession. After missing multiple opportunities during European action, it appeared perhaps it wouldn't be Mateta's day after he sent attempts off target inside the opening 15 minutes.

First Score

However during a period during discussions about the forward's renewal have stalled, it was the France international who found the breakthrough.

Another precise pass from the England international lured Leny Yoro into making contact after recently producing superb interception to stop the winger, the 20-year-old was forced to foul Mateta inside the area.

Second Half Recovery

Palace's shot-stopper came out with head protection to protect his vision from the setting sun yet he'll feel regret to have allowed United to level the score post the break.

The home side was sleeping from a rapid Fernandes set-piece allowing the forward to control with his chest while turning simultaneously to generate a strike that found the top corner.

Winning Strike

After enduring a chaotic situation where Zirkzee almost scored again at the wrong end, their afternoon got even better moments after while Zirkzee was tripped near the 18-yard line from the Palace defender.

A temporary uncertainty developed within the barrier when Fernandes rolled the dead ball to the midfielder and that allowed him to defeat the goalkeeper using a fierce strike.

Vital Win

Missing the Senegal international's acceleration to utilize, Palace could barely muster additional opportunities allowing Amorim's team to complete a crucial victory that means the Red Devils climb above Palace up to sixth spot.