Comeback Kings for a reason!
There were times in Fergie’s era when Manchester United went in bashed and bruised at halftime and came back on to dominate the game in the final half of the match. Well, against Everton, Chelsea, Burnley and a few other times Jose Mourinho’s United have done the same. However, nothing was quite as spectacular as what we witnessed at Selhurst Park on Monday night. After conceding the second goal in a horrible way in first half, United came back to haunt the Eagles, scored three goals to seal all three points, and held on to the second spot.
David de Gea: 8/10
Was left helpless for the second goal but otherwise was solid, commanding and brilliant. That save off Benteke was another addition to a very fine personal catalogue.
Antonio Valencia: 6/10
Valencia was let down by a number of misplaced passes in the first half and was frustrated by the lack of urgency in passing. The captain chipped in a perfect assist later on though.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
The Swede was having a tough time in the first half but settled down and adjusted to the physical nature of the match in the second half. Was, likewise to his fellow defenders, guilty of slowing down in the build-up to the second goal.
Chris Smalling: 7/10
Smalling won important duels, was dominant in the air, was sloppy as usual at times but made up for his certain drawbacks by heading in the first goal.
Ashley Young: 5/10
Nothing notable from Young as the left back was unable to affect the game in the first half. Was taken off for Luke Shaw around the hour mark.
Nemanja Matic: 8/10
Matic had an improved second half as he won the battle in the midfield almost singlehandedly and moved the ball ahead with better intent. Was a guilty party in the second goal as it was comical on his part to switch off so easily; however, scored a last-minute belter and earned his team three valuable points.
Scott McTominay: 5/10
The pace in the first half overwhelmed the lad as he failed to read the game properly. Was taken off for Rashford at halftime.
Paul Pogba: 7/10
A horrible first half but he turned things around in the second half by dominating the midfield, winning duels and then rampaging in style to turn on the attack.
Alexis Sanchez: 6/10
Like Pogba, even Sanchez upped his game in the final half by chipping in some excellent dipping balls to create chances. Was a liability in possession in the first half though but looked more threatening from the centre.
Jesse Lingard: 7/10
Put in an excellent shift as he contributed to defence and attack regularly even whilst playing as a right back in the second half. What a utility player for Jose!
Romelu Lukaku: 7/10
Lukaku was a bit sloppy but eased into the game as the match progressed. The Belgian scored with a neat, clinical finish as he took his time and drew away five Crystal Palace players to level the scores with 15 minutes remaining.
Substitutes:
Marcus Rashford: 7/10
Burst of energy, pace and his introduction spelt trouble for Palace. His corners were precise and had the correct speed on them and they helped United create more goal-scoring chances.
Juan Mata: 7/10
Found spaces, worked well in them and usually was the neatest passer in the team.
Luke Shaw: 6/10
Ran up and down the left flank and delivered a decent overall performance.
