Man Utd player ratings vs Palace: Zirkzee and Mount to the rescue as 4/10 flops bailed out | Football | Sport
Manchester United produced a sparkling comeback as they defeated Crystal Palace in a gritty clash at Selhurst Park.
Ruben Amorim’s side were dismal in the first-half as a host of stars struggled to get into the match. And the visitors fell behind nine minutes before the interval as Jean-Philippe Mateta kept his composure to dispatch a retaken penalty. But the Red Devils, who lost to Everton on Monday evening, were a completely different team in the second period, with Joshua Zirkzee drawing the visitors level with a fine strike from a tight angle.
Mason Mount then nudged United ahead just after the hour mark after making the most of a free-kick on the edge of the box, with the 13-time Premier League champions holding firm to claim all three points. And Express Sport rates and slates the United players.
Manchester United player ratings (3-4-2-1)
Senne Lammens: 7
Had a few efforts to save as United were exposed and was generally solid as he got his team out of trouble. Will be frustrated with his outfield team-mates’ performance in the first-half.
Leny Yoro: 4
Showed bravery to block a thumping shot from Yeremy Pino midway through the first-half as the hosts dominated. But was reckless as he brought down Mateta inside the box when he had virtually no chance of getting the ball. Later gave the ball away when bringing it out from the back and was replaced in the early stages of the second-half.
Was exposed by Mateta inside the first 10 minutes as he covered round and then ran straight over the ball as the Palace attacker ran clear and had a shot at goal. Then headed the ball into the back of Leny Yoro as Mateta was presented with another huge chance. Slipped over to allow Eddie Nketiah in on goal just before the break. Was awful on the ball as well.
Luke Shaw: 7
Made crucial tackles on Pino and Eddie Nketiah in the space of a few minutes just before half-time. Was United’s best defender, but United need to firm up at the back.
Amad Diallo: 4
Eased off the ball by Daichi Kamada in the first-half as Palace transitioned from defence to attack and forced a corner. Was wasteful with the ball and whipped a cross into the side netting at one point. Was then dispossessed by Daniel Munoz when he could have played Bryan Mbeumo in.
Casemiro: 4
Almost opened the scoring minutes into the match but was denied by Dean Henderson. Had another chance with a free header shortly afterwards but headed wide. Was unable to assert any authority on the match.
Produced a string of dangerous deliveries into the area but they were wasted on his team-mates for much of the game. Had energy and sparkled at times and was the catalyst for his team’s comeback as he provided two assists.
Diogo Dalot: 5
Played on the left but lacked urgency and quality. Took a long throw at one point and appeared to have both feet off the ground when the ball left his hands. Won the free-kick that led to his side’s second goal but struggled throughout.
Bryan Mbeumo: 6
Was United’s main attacking threat in the first-half and made some clever runs in behind. But didn’t get the ball down and run at defenders like he does so often. Fired a weak effort at goal late on.
Joshua Zirkzee: 5
Lost possession time and time again in the first-half and couldn’t make the ball stick with his back to goal. Offered no goal threat early on but then popped up with an equaliser out of nothing as he beat Henderson from a tight angle when he had no right to do so.
Mason Mount: 7
Has been sharp at times this season and fired in United’s second with a fine effort after a quiet first-half. Continues to get plenty of game time, which shows how highly he is thought of.
Substitutions
Noussair Mazraoui: 7
Came on for Leno Yoro nine minutes after half-time, with the Red Devils looking much more solid after his introduction.
Lisandro Martinez: 6
Was handed his first appearance after 10 months on the sidelines as he featured in the final 10 minutes.
Patrick Dorgu: 6
Came on in the closing stages.
Kobbie Mainoo: 6
Helped United see the win out in stoppage time.
