Manchester United got back to winning ways at Crystal Palace, but Ruben Amorim will be most happy with a mountain climbed by one of his players.
Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount will get the headlines, while Bruno Fernandes, assisting both goals to keep up the set-piece hot streak, will also generate plenty of discussion.
Ultimately, the 2-1 win was a result of Crystal Palace tiring out after the midweek trip, while Man Utd’s European absence helped them grow into the game.
Nowhere has that change been visible more than in one player, who managed to do vs Palace what he hasn’t for United in nearly 25 months.
Crystal Palace v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Mason Mount achieves Man Utd milestone
Mason Mount has become somewhat of a personal project for Ruben Amorim, as the Man Utd manager has made him one of the few players he isn’t shy about praising publicly.
Who was Manchester United’s MAN OF THE MATCH vs Crystal Palace?ð¤ð¥
Mount, for his part, has been a model professional, but his raw output and availability have been frustrating for Man Utd fans.
Even under Amorim’s cautious management, Mount was struggling to get going consistently, and a single fact sums it up.
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Against Palace, it was the first time since November 2, 2023, that Mount completed the full 90 minutes for Man Utd.
The last time came in a Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United, which United lost 0-3, so this one is a happier memory.
Remarkably, Mount had never completed 90 minutes for Man Utd in the Premier League, so that’s two milestones ticked off.
Usually, “completing 90 minutes” isn’t a milestone for players, more like a basic requirement, but Mount’s history and professionalism make it a huge mountain he has climbed.
The next step is crucial for Ruben Amorim
Playing the full 90 minutes against Crystal Palace is important, but the next step will be crucial for Ruben Amorim in how he sees Mount.
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Mason Mount in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
It can’t be the case of one step forward, two steps back, because another setback now will see the fans lose trust in him again.
It’s brilliant that Mount is not just playing consistently but doing well in those minutes, thereby vindicating Amorim’s staunch support.
With the festive period approaching and Amad and Bryan Mbeumo due to leave for AFCON, this could be the start of “Mount 2.0” at Old Trafford.
“Just like a new signing” is a frustrating cliché in football, but Mount has the chance to become exactly that in the next two months.