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Precisely as the United manager probably assumed his fortune remained negative, his side managed to inflict Crystal Palace's opening Selhurst Park setback in league competition from February onward.

Oliver Glasner's team dominated early and deservedly took the lead by way of their forward's second penalty attempt. However they failed to capitalize on their control following earlier difficulties to score against Palace, Amorim's team countered twice in nine minutes via Joshua Zirkzee plus the former Chelsea player.

Frustrating Afternoon against Glasner's Side

It was a frustrating afternoon at the end after multiple matches for the Palace boss, who observed Ismaïla Sarr limp off with a serious problem in the first period.

The United manager may have kept his reactions subdued while walking off the pitch directly following the match's conclusion.

Tactical Changes

Amorim had played down comparisons between the two coaches' tactical approach during preparation, though recognizing that the opposition "are just doing things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".

The answer to the poor performance versus reduced Everton was to change both wing-backs, including the young winger occupying the right wing as Diogo Dalot replaced Patrick Dorgu.

Opening Attempts

United must have sensed a opening to capitalize considering they enjoyed additional preparation time and came close to leading within the first minute.

An extended delivery created confusion in the home penalty box yet remarkably the former United goalkeeper made a close-range stop at his goal line to deny Casemiro.

Home Side's Control

The near miss functioned as a warning for the home team following the midday start which was determined for broadcast purposes.

Soon the chances began to come thick and fast. Following wasted a hatful of chances during European action, it seemed like perhaps it wouldn't be the Frenchman's match after he sent efforts missing the goal inside the opening 15 minutes.

Opening Goal

However during a period when talks over Mateta's contract extension faced delays, the French striker emerged who found the breakthrough.

One more perfect ball from Wharton lured Leny Yoro into the challenge and, having just made superb interception to prevent the Spaniard, the young defender was forced to foul Mateta inside the area.

Second Half Turnaround

The goalkeeper returned with head protection to block the sun from the setting sun however he'll experience frustration enabling Amorim's team to level the score post the break.

Palace were caught napping via a fast United dead ball and Zirkzee was able to bring under control and pivot in one motion to unleash an attempt that flew into the net.

Match-Winning Strike

After enduring a goalmouth scramble as the forward came close again at the wrong end, their day improved further shortly afterward as the Dutch attacker was fouled on the edge of Palace's box by Marc Guéhi.

A brief pause occurred in the defensive wall when Fernandes rolled the set-piece toward Mount and that allowed him to score past the keeper via a strong shot.

Vital Three Points

Without Sarr's pace to depend on, Palace could barely muster another chance allowing Amorim's team to secure vital three points that means United move above Palace to sixth position.