Manchester United staged a spirited comeback at Selhurst Park on Sunday, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1.
While goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount secured the crucial points, it was the commanding performance of defender Luke Shaw that truly stole the headlines, earning him widespread acclaim and the Man of the Match award.
The Eagles initially took the lead through a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, coolly converted after a foul in the box, putting United on the back foot. However, Erik ten Hag’s side responded with determination. Joshua Zirkzee leveled the score with a well-taken finish, before Mason Mount completed the turnaround with a clinical strike, ensuring United left South London with all three points.
Shaw’s influence was undeniable across the pitch. The left-back registered an impressive 70 touches, dictating play from the left flank, and crucially made three vital interceptions, consistently breaking up Palace’s attacking forays. His positional awareness, calm distribution, and robust tackling provided a much-needed anchor for United’s backline, particularly after a shaky start to the game. His display drew effusive praise from both fans and football pundits alike, many highlighting his leadership and ability to elevate the team’s defensive solidity.
Indeed, Shaw’s current vein of form sparked lively debate on social media, with some audacious comparisons being drawn to the legendary Manchester United treble-winning squad of 1998-99, questioning if Shaw would have found a place in that iconic team. Such discussions underscore the high regard in which his recent performances are held.
Adding to United’s positive news, defender Lisandro Martinez made a welcome return to action, coming off the bench after a nine-month layoff due to a persistent knee injury. His presence will be a significant boost for the squad’s defensive options as the season progresses. Captain Bruno Fernandes also etched his name further into the club’s history books, surpassing Paul Scholes to claim fourth place in Manchester United’s all-time Premier League assists chart – a testament to his consistent creativity and impact.
The victory, United’s first at Selhurst Park since 2020, lifted them to ninth in the Premier League table, offering a glimmer of hope for a stronger finish to the season. This resilient performance, spearheaded by Shaw’s defensive masterclass, will undoubtedly inject confidence into the United squad as they look to build momentum in the coming weeks. While the road ahead remains challenging, the spirit shown at Selhurst Park, coupled with key players returning and hitting form, offers renewed optimism for the Old Trafford faithful.
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