In the first half of the match against Crystal Palace, it was difficult to imagine that coach Ruben Amorim or Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee could receive praise.
With Man United trailing after a penalty taken by Jean- Philippe Mateta, Amorim is in danger of suffering a second defeat in just one week, after a 0-1 loss to Everton. Zirkzee left almost no impression in the first 45 minutes, not even a single shot powerful enough to challenge goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
However, both of them entered the break with their reputation not only being preserved but also being enhanced by effective tactical changes. Amorim has pushed Bryan Mbeumo higher and more into the center, helping the "Red Devils" regain control of the game in a half in which Palace completely dominated. The Man United players also played more enthusiastically, according to Amorim after the match.
This change created an opportunity for Zirkzee to score the equalizer - his first Premier League goal in 364 days - with an accurate finish from a tight angle, before Mason Mount sealed a 2-1 victory immediately afterwards.
"I just reminded the players that we needed to play more Vividly, and they did that. When you are more lively, you are more present in more places, closer to the ball. At the same time, we also found our opponents tired in the second half. When you get up the tempo, just a little tired and you pay the price, and we control the game" - Amorim shared.
If nothing else, Man United's first win at Selhurst Park since 2020 will certainly ease some of the debate over whether Amorim is truly suitable for the hot seat at Old Trafford. This is a topic that was pushed to a climax after the defeat to Everton.
Zirkzee's future is also becoming the focus of attention. The Dutch striker's lack of regular playing time this season has fueled speculation that he could find a way to leave Old Trafford in January, in order to increase his chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Zirkzee made his first Premier League start of the season against Everton. And he could lose a place against Palace if Matheus Cunha recovers in time. There were even opinions that Zirkzee should be withdrawn in the first half when he almost failed to make any impression against the home team's three defenders Marc Guehi, Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix. His return was only due to Man United not having many bench options due to injuries to Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
However, Zirkzee took full advantage of his rare opportunity. Just a few minutes after the break, he made a smart rebound in a Bruno Fernandes free kick, then fired an accurate shot into the far corner. This was a special moment, right at the most necessary time - for both Amorim and himself.
It was also Zirkzee's first Premier League goal since December 2024, and also United's first against Palace in the competition since February 2023. After the break, the former striker of Bayern Munich and Bologna seems to have turned into a different person.
"It's not just goals, it's also the ballless moves ahead. In the first half, he had difficulty in the disputes, but after the break he started to win more situations.
The whole team has improved significantly thanks to the quality Josh brought in in the second half. The important thing is that he has to understand that his value does not only come from goals. We played better because Josh played better after the break," Amorim said of Zirkzee's performance in the second half.
