Mount's late winner seals United win at Crystal Palace
Mason Mount nets a stoppage-time winner for Manchester United at Crystal Palace, marking a full 90-minute return and highlighting his value in midfield.
Manchester United secured a vital win at Crystal Palace as Mason Mount struck a stoppage-time winner, capping a full 90 minutes in the Premier League as he regains his fitness.
The goal came after a tight, physical contest and underscored United's midseason improvement, with Mount delivering the decisive moment against a tired Palace side at Selhurst Park.
Mount's return to 90 minutes
Mount has not completed a league 90 minutes for a long spell. The England international last did it against Crystal Palace in January 2023, when he played for Chelsea. Since joining Manchester United for £55 million in June 2023, injuries and form have interrupted his rhythm, but this season he has featured regularly when fit.
Ruben Amorim, the coach who backed Mount before kickoff, stressed that the forward’s intelligence, ball retention, and goal threat make him a valuable option whenever available. He added that Mount's smart movement and ability to arrive in advanced positions can unlock chances near the box.
The match narrative: first half and equaliser
Palace opened the scoring through Jean-Philippe Mateta from a penalty, but Joshua Zirkzee levelled with his first league goal in a year, restoring parity nine minutes later. Mount's presence helped United to build pressure as the half progressed and left-back Diogo Dalot began to find pockets of space on the left in combination with Mount.
Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, was influential throughout, but Mount’s return to full fitness allowed him to influence both the build-up play and the late set-piece spells.
Second half: tactical shifts and the winner
United adjusted after the break, with Mount and Dalot syncing up on the left to stretch Palace and create space. Zirkzee ran the channels and combined well with Bryan Mbeumo, who moved centrally to hold the ball up and win key fouls, helping United to control the tempo.
In the build-up to United’s winning goal, Zirkzee flicked a ball to Dalot for a shot that prompted a foul, and shortly after Mount and Fernandes combined for a precise free-kick finish from around 20 yards, sealing the result.
Expert verdict
Bruno Fernandes said Mount’s quality has never been in doubt, and when he is fit he becomes a crucial part of United’s plan. “He’s a great player who brings real value when he stays healthy,” Fernandes added.
What it means for United
The win at Palace extended United’s positive form and highlighted Mount’s growing influence in a number 10 role, especially when Cunha and Sesko are unavailable. His presence adds a smarter, more varied attacking threat and makes United harder to defend against in tight games.
Bottom line
Mount’s impact on this match highlights how crucial his fitness is for United’s balance in midfield and attack. The late goal capped a standout display and showed the kind of game-time resilience that can unlock a busy season. His return to form also signals a timely boost for United’s plans as they navigate a demanding run of fixtures.
- Palace’s fatigue and a relentless United press helped swing momentum after the break.
- Zirkzee’s smart movement and Mount’s sharp running created the left-sided overload that yielded multiple chances.
Key insight: Mount’s full 90 minutes and late goal demonstrate his regained fitness and value in United’s midfield, turning a tough trip into a win. BBC Sport