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At the moment when Ruben Amorim must have thought his luck wasn't changing, the Red Devils delivered Crystal Palace's opening Selhurst Park setback in domestic football since February.

Oliver Glasner's players started strongly and deservedly took the lead through their forward's retaken penalty. Yet they were unable to convert superiority into goals following earlier difficulties to net versus Palace, United struck back with a rapid double from Joshua Zirkzee plus the former Chelsea player.

Frustrating Afternoon for The Eagles

This represented a difficult afternoon at the end of a long week for the Palace boss, who witnessed the Senegalese international leave injured with a concerning injury before half-time.

Ruben Amorim probably contained his reactions subdued while walking toward the dressing room directly following the game's end.

Tactical Changes

The Portuguese coach dismissed similarities regarding both managers' tactical approach during preparation, although he acknowledged that Glasner's team "currently execute things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".

The answer to the disappointing loss versus reduced Everton was to change the flank players, with Amad Diallo shifting to the right side with the full-back assumed Dorgu's position.

Early Opportunities

The visitors likely felt an opportunity to profit given that they had three more days to prepare and came close to leading inside the opening minute.

A lengthy throw-in generated disorder in the home penalty box however incredibly Dean Henderson produced a point-blank save on his goalline to prevent the midfielder.

Palace's Superiority

The close shave served as a wake-up call for the home team after the early kick-off which was determined for broadcast purposes.

Quickly opportunities started arriving thick and fast. After missing a hatful of chances on Thursday, it seemed like perhaps it wouldn't be Mateta's day as he pulled efforts missing the goal during the first quarter.

Breakthrough

Yet amid days when talks over Mateta's contract extension hit obstacles, the French striker emerged who provided the first goal.

One more perfect ball from the England international enticed the young Frenchman into making contact after recently producing superb interception to prevent the Spaniard, Yoro was forced to foul his compatriot inside the area.

After Break Comeback

Palace's shot-stopper came out in a baseball cap to shield his eyes from the low sun but he will be disappointed for permitting the visitors to draw equal post the break.

Palace were caught napping from a rapid Fernandes set-piece allowing the forward to bring under control and pivot in one motion to unleash an attempt that found the top corner.

Match-Winning Moment

Having survived a chaotic situation where Zirkzee almost scored once more in his own net, their afternoon got even better shortly afterward while Zirkzee was brought down outside the penalty area from the Palace defender.

A temporary uncertainty developed among the defenders as the captain passed the dead ball to the midfielder enabling the Englishman to defeat the goalkeeper with a powerful drive.

Vital Win

Missing the Senegal international's acceleration to utilize, the home team struggled to create additional opportunities as United were able to complete an important win elevating United move above Palace to sixth position.