Zirkzee Breaks Year-Long Drought as Man United Rally to 2-1 Victory Over Crystal Palace

Joshua Zirkzee ended his long wait for a Premier League goal before Mason Mount netted the winner as Manchester United overturned a first-half deficit to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday.

Ruben Amorim’s team had fallen behind to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty at Selhurst Park, but second-half goals from Zirkzee and Mount secured United’s first win in four matches.

Zirkzee’s equaliser marked his first Premier League goal since December 2024, when he scored against Everton. The Dutch forward had gone 24 league games without a goal, fuelling criticism of his £36 million move from Bologna. The 24-year-old had also failed to score in his last eight appearances dating back to April.

Mount — who has battled injuries and inconsistency since his switch from Chelsea — added the decisive strike, registering only his second goal of the season.

After Monday’s loss to 10-man Everton at Old Trafford, the victory offered Amorim a much-needed lift. It also handed Palace their first home league defeat since February 15, highlighting the difficulty of United’s comeback in freezing conditions.

Amorim had insisted recently that United had “no excuses” for their slow start to the campaign following last season’s troubles. He would have welcomed the determination shown against the FA Cup holders, who often frustrate top Premier League sides under Oliver Glasner.

United might have led inside the opening minute when Casemiro’s close-range attempt, created by a long throw, was saved by Dean Henderson.

At the other end, Mateta missed a clear chance before Leny Yoro blocked Yeremy Pino’s goal-bound shot and Senne Lammens denied Daichi Kamada.

Palace finally went ahead in the 36th minute after Yoro fouled Mateta, who scored from the spot — only for his effort to be disallowed due to a double touch. Under a rule updated this season, accidental double-touch penalties must be retaken if the initial shot goes in. Mateta converted at the second attempt.

Zirkzee, who had been quiet before the break, drew United level in the 54th minute, controlling Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick on his chest and firing a superb strike across Henderson from a tight angle.

He almost scored again moments later when he unintentionally diverted the ball toward his own goal, but Lammens reacted quickly.

United completed the turnaround in the 63rd minute when Fernandes tapped a free-kick to Mount, who drilled a low shot under the Palace wall and beyond Henderson from 20 yards.

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