Crystal Palace climbed above Manchester United in the Premier League standings Sunday after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half double secured a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The defeat leaves United in 13th place, just two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, whom they face in their next league fixture.
Despite United entering the match with five wins from their previous six games, Palace controlled the crucial moments. Mateta broke the deadlock after 60 minutes, pouncing on a rebound after Maxence Lacroix’s header struck the crossbar.
The Palace striker sealed the victory in the 89th minute, converting Daniel Munoz’s square pass after the defender broke free of United’s defensive line.
United dominated possession and created early chances, with Kobbie Mainoo hitting the post in the opening ten minutes. Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson made key saves from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte early in the second half, but those proved to be United’s final shots on target.
Palace’s organized defense frustrated the hosts throughout the match. Tyrick Mitchell and Mateta both came close in a first half that saw 19 shots between the teams but only two on target.
The result marks another setback for United at Old Trafford, where fans expressed their displeasure with boos after Palace’s opening goal.
Oliver Glasner’s Palace team executed their counter-attacking strategy effectively, particularly in the second half when United’s attempts to break down their defensive structure proved increasingly futile.
The defeat raises fresh questions about United’s consistency this season, while Palace’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing earned them a valuable away victory.
