Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United returned to winning ways thanks to a brilliant second-half comeback away to Crystal Palace in the mid-day kick-off at Selhurst Park.

The first half was very scrappy, with players slipping all over the pitch and a number of loose passes from both sides. United had opportunities to go ahead, but Palace broke the deadlock after Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a penalty on the second attempt, having been tripped by Leny Yoro in the build-up.

It was in the second half that United really picked up the pace. They equalised after a quick free-kick freed up Joshua Zirkzee, who from a very tight angle managed to find the corner of the net. United made it 2-1 a few minutes later, when from another quick set-piece, Bruno Fernandes teed up Mason Mount, who thumped a shot past Dean Henderson.

Palace tried to push on for an equaliser, but United remained in control, and arguably had chances to further extend their lead, but they saw out the win.

Here are United's player ratings:

Senne Lammens 6

Made a couple of decent saves and was largely untroubled during the whole course of the game. Sent the wrong way for both of Mateta's penalties.

Leny Yoro 4

A poor game from the young defender, looking sloppy and was reckless in giving away the penalty. Made an excellent block before the break. Hooked off in the second half.

Matthijs de Ligt 6

An up and down performance from the Dutchman. He was careless in the first half, but he then improved immensely in the second, keeping Mateta and Eddie Nketiah quiet.

Luke Shaw 8

One of United's best players on the day of his 300th appearance for the club. Made a series of crucial tackles and blocks, and stood strong whenever he was faced with Palace's forwards. Excellent, especially after his poor showing against Everton.

Amad 5

Not quite as adventurous as he usually is, but still tried to make things happen. Was much better in the second half.

Casemiro 5

A game of two halves for the Brazilian. Very, very poor in the first, missing two golden opportunities, and also producing plenty of loose passes. He was more composed in the second, and took control of the midfield.

Bruno Fernandes 8

A captain's performance from the Portuguese midfielder. Fernandes seized control of the match in the second half and was all over the pitch, constantly looking to make things happen. Produced two assists from two free-kicks, and was repeatedly looking to make the ball tick for United.

Diogo Dalot 6

One of his better games in recent months. Looked very solid when defending, making some sharp challenges, while also looked to go forward whenever he can. Needs to improve his decision-making and final ball.

Bryan Mbeumo 5

Worked tirelessly, but had one of his quieter games in a United shirt. Linked up well with Amad and Zirkzee.

Mason Mount 7

Looked after the ball well and wanted to constantly press the Palace defence. Got a well-deserved goal with an excellent shot from the edge of the penalty area to help United turn the game around. Will have a crucial role in the coming weeks with Mbeumo and Amad both away for AFCON.

Joshua Zirkzee 8

Plenty was said about Zirkzee's inclusion in the team after Monday, but the Dutchman rose to the occasion to silence the doubters yet again. He was great at linking up play in the first half, but struggled to create any real opportunities. But he then took a brilliant touch in the second half before firing a shot that left Henderson with no chance, equalising from a very tight angle. Looked to come to life after the goal.

Substitutes

Noussair Mazraoui 6

Came on for Yoro and was a significant improvement on the ball. Looked assured and helped going forward.

Lisandro Martinez 5

Brought on after nine months out with an injury, and he was met with widespread applause from the United end. Was his usual, feisty self.

Patrick Dorgu 5

Brought on in the final few minutes to help United see the game out.

Kobbie Mainoo 5

A very late sub with Dorgu, and he allowed United to see out the win.

Manager - Ruben Amorim 6

Needed a big performance from his players today after Monday's disappointment, and he got just that. Many players who have underperformed in previous months rose to the occasion, and they controlled the game in the second half. Showed tactical ingenuity with the quick free-kicks, and his substitutions worked to the tee. Much was said about this game as the clash of the three-at-the-back formations, and Amorim's system came out on top. Will need to continue building on this win.