Crystal Palace dominate Manchester United with 2-0 win

Manchester United’s disastrous home form continued as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

Despite chasing a fourth consecutive win across all competitions, United were outplayed in the first half by a superior Palace side. The visitors had several chances to take the lead but were unable to capitalize on their dominance.

The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta reacted quickest to a rebound after the ball came off the crossbar, putting Palace ahead. United, desperate for an equaliser, lacked creativity and failed to break down Palace’s defence.

Mateta sealed the victory with a second goal in the 89th minute, condemning United to their seventh home league loss of the season and sending Palace above them into 12th place in the standings.

United entered the match on the back of their best run under manager Ruben Amorim, having secured a third consecutive win in all competitions against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.

However, Amorim has yet to lead the team to back-to-back league victories since taking charge in late November — a feat no United manager has achieved since Tommy Docherty in 1972-73.

The match began with a tribute to the victims of the Munich air disaster, marking 67 years since the tragedy. Kobbie Mainoo, playing as a central striker, nearly gave United the perfect start, striking the post with a deflected shot.

Palace, in strong away form, created the better chances early on, with Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell coming close. Mateta was denied by a superb save from Andre Onana as the first half ended goalless, marking United’s 18th scoreless first half of the season in 24 league games.

After the break, United pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was called into action, making smart saves to deny Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.

However, Palace’s pressure eventually paid off when Mateta scored from close range after a header from Maxence Lacroix hit the crossbar.

United’s attempts to find a response faltered, and Palace countered in the final minutes, with Mateta finishing off the game to seal the win.

To make matters worse, United defender Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off in the second half with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

This defeat deepens United’s struggles at home, leaving them with plenty to work on ahead of their next league fixture.