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Just when Ruben Amorim must have thought the team's momentum remained negative, Manchester United managed to inflict Crystal Palace's initial home loss in league competition beginning in February.

Oliver Glasner's team dominated early and deservedly took the lead through the French striker's repeated spot-kick. But they could not to convert superiority into goals following earlier difficulties to find the net at Selhurst, United struck back twice in nine minutes from the Dutch forward plus the former Chelsea player.

Difficult Afternoon for Glasner's Side

It was a frustrating encounter finishing of a long week for the home manager, who saw Ismaïla Sarr limp off with a worrying issue before half-time.

The United manager may have kept his reactions subdued as he headed down the tunnel immediately after the match's conclusion.

Strategic Modifications

The Portuguese coach dismissed parallels involving the two coaches' strategic methods ahead of the match, while admitting that the opposition "are just doing things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".

His response to the poor performance against 10-man Everton meant modifying the flank players, with Amad Diallo occupying the right wing with the full-back assumed Dorgu's position.

Opening Opportunities

The visitors likely felt a chance to benefit since they possessed three more days to prepare and came close to leading after 43 seconds.

A long throw created confusion in the Palace area however incredibly Dean Henderson produced a point-blank save at his goal line to deny Casemiro.

Home Side's Control

The close shave functioned as a warning for the home team after the early kick-off which was determined by the television schedulers.

Soon the chances started arriving thick and fast. Following wasted numerous attempts in midweek, it looked perhaps it wouldn't be Mateta's day after he sent attempts off target in the initial phase.

First Score

However during a period where negotiations regarding the forward's renewal have stalled, Mateta stepped up who provided the first goal.

Another precise pass from Wharton enticed the young Frenchman into making contact and, having just made superb interception to stop the winger, the 20-year-old was forced to foul his fellow Frenchman within the 18-yard area.

Post-Interval Recovery

The goalkeeper returned in a baseball cap to protect his vision from the low sun however he'll experience frustration to have allowed United to equalise eight minutes post the break.

Glasner's team was unprepared from a rapid Fernandes set-piece allowing the forward to chest the ball down and swivel in the same movement to unleash an attempt that found the top corner.

Decisive Moment

After enduring a goalmouth scramble as the forward came close again at the wrong end, their day improved further a few minutes later when the Netherlands forward was fouled outside the penalty area from the Palace defender.

A temporary uncertainty developed in the defensive wall during Fernandes' delivery the set-piece toward Mount enabling the Englishman to defeat the goalkeeper via a strong shot.

Crucial Victory

Without Sarr's pace to call on, Palace could barely muster another chance while the visitors managed to secure vital three points which moves United move above Palace up to sixth spot.