Manchester United launched a spirited comeback to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
WATCH — Full match replay
Palace took a first half lead through a twice-taken penalty kick from Jean-Philippe Mateta but United surged back in the second half as Joshua Zirkzee equalized and Mason Mount’s free kick won it.
With the win United move on to 21 points, while Palace remain on 20 points.
United keep calm to prove they’re developing
Last season United would have lost this game after falling behind. We know Amorim’s side have made a step forward this season, even if the odd poor display like the loss to Everton on Monday has crept in. This win at Palace proves their progress. It was a good time to play Palace, as they looked tired after their Thursday evening defeat in Strasbourg in the Conference League, and United not being in Europe this season is a huge boost for Amorim. They kicked on in the second half and used their freshness sensibly. Scoring goals from set pieces, seeing out a win comfortably with no silly mistakes and digging deep and outworking opponents is not something we are used to seeing from this group of United players. But they’ve made progress and with just one defeat in their last six, they’ve found consistency. Can they keep it going?
What’s next?
Palace head to Burnley on Wednesday then Fulham on Sunday. Man United host West Ham on Thursday, then travel to Wolves on Monday.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United score: 1-2
Mateta 36'; Zirkzee 53', Mount 63'
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Lisandro Martinez returns from injury
What a moment for Lisandro Martinez as he’s back from injury and comes on for Luke Shaw. Can he help United see this out in the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time?
Mason Mount’s free kick sneaks in!
United have turned this around. Incredible! Mason Mount’s low free kick somehow sneaks in at the near post and that is a really clever effort as everyone thought Bruno Fernandes would take the free kick. United’s fans in the away end are going bonkers. And rightly so. What a comeback!
Palace almost retake the lead
A clearance from United smashes against Zirkzee, who is back defending, and flies inches wide. Almost a calamitous own goal from United moments after equalizing. All of a sudden everything that hits Zirkzee is flying towards goal. But he’s glad that one flew just wide!
Zirkzee equalizes!
Well, who saw that coming? Absolutely nobody. For the first time in 24 appearances (that dates back to December 1 2024) Joshua Zirzkee has scored in the Premier League. He smashes home from a really tight angle and boy did United, and Zirkzee, need that.
Joshua Zirkzee's first Premier League goal in 364 days levels it for Man United! 💥 pic.twitter.com/CXpayPytcF
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 30, 2025
Half time: Crystal Palace 1-0 Man United
Palace took a while to get going but once they did, they ran over United in midfield. Mateta’s penalty has the Eagles ahead and Amorim’s United have been really poor in possession and going forward. The problem is when you look at United’s bench, who can they bring on to improve them in attack? Probably Mazraoui on for Mount with Amad moving further forward.
Sarr is off with Nketiah on
After injuring his ankle earlier, Ismaila Sarr can’t continue and Eddie Nketiah replaces him before the break. That’s a blow for Palace.
Mateta scores from the penalty spot... at the second attempt!
What drama just before half time. First, Leny Yoro fouls Mateta and it’s a clear penalty kick. Mateta steps up and sends Lammens the wrong way. But VAR checks the penalty and Mateta kicked the ball twice. He’s ordered to retake the spot kick but makes no mistake the second time and Palace lead. That is so poor from United defensively and Ruben Amorim can’t be happy with this first half display.
Jean-Philippe Mateta's first penalty try was ruled a double touch, but he has no problem with the second as Crystal Palace lead Man United. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/cGyGtPGnIa
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 30, 2025
Pino denied
Munoz whips in a dangerous cross and Lammens gets a touch on it. The ball falls to Pino but Yoro blocks his shot brilliantly. The game is really back and forth now.
Mateta should score, Richards goes close
After United had a few half chances from set pieces, the best chance of the game falls to Palace. Mateta is in but he gets his finish all wrong. Palace have finally woken up as Richards can’t make the most of a good headed chance and Kamada is denied by Lammens.
United go close early!
Inside the first minute a long throw is flicked on and Casemiro can’t squeeze it home as Dean Henderson saves really well. What a start that would have been!
Crystal Palace lineup
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta
Manchester United lineup
Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Zirkzee
Crystal Palace team news, focus
OUT: Borna Sosa (leg), Caleb Kporha (back), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Rio Cardines (adductor) | QUESTIONABLE: Will Hughes (unspecified), Chadi Riad (knee)
Manchester United team news, focus
OUT: Matheus Cunha (knock - MORE), Benjamin Sesko (knee), Harry Maguire (thigh)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United preview
Palace haven’t allowed a league goal in 321 minutes while taking seven of nine points from Brentford, Brighton, and Wolves to restore their good standing after a three-match winless run in October. The Eagles went to Strasbourg in the Conference League on Thursday and took a lead through Tyrick Mitchell before falling to the Ligue 1 side 2-1 at the Stade de la Meinau.
Manchester United, meanwhile, saw a five-game unbeaten run turn into a three-match winless run when they lost 1-0 to Everton on Monday. Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils played much of the match up a man and still couldn’t beat Jordan Pickford to make it two points from nine following draws at Nottingham Forest and Spurs.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United prediction
We know Man United can play well with this team and that they have the advantage of a less-challenging week of preparation. That could do enough to level the advantage of a steady Palace team playing in front of a boisterous home crowd. Still, the Red Devils need to get goals without Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko again. That could prove a trickier task. Still... Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester United.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 7am ET Sunday
Venue: Selhurst Park — South London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch online via NBC.com
