Manchester United produced a brilliant second-half comeback to beat Crystal Palace away from home.
The threat of back-to-back losses was looming for Ruben Amorim when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from the penalty spot at Selhurst Park.
But Amorim inspired his players at half-time and they responded with a much-improved second-half display.
Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount both ended their goal droughts, scoring their first goals of the season to rescue all three points.
Amorim demanded more intensity from his players, and pundit Joe Cole believes three players in particular delivered on that front.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro of Manchester United applaud the fans after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United trio added ‘intensity’ vs Crystal Palace
Against Everton last week, Amorim accepted blame for the performance, claiming he needed to find a way to inject more energy and intensity into his side.
He made sure to avoid a repeat against Palace. Speaking on TNT Sports, pundit Joe Cole named the three players who added the most energy in that second half.
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“The intensity they came out and played the second half with was fantastic. Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Mason Mount, outstanding in there at times.
“Getting hold of the ball, moving it, they created chances, looked strong at the back.
“The hardest thing for these players is the weight of the shirt, you lose on Monday night with a bad performance, a bad result at home and the criticism inevitably follows.
“And you have to deal with that, come out on a Sunday morning in south London and play like they did in the second half. We’ve criticised them, criticised the manager but today they deserve all the praise, they were fantastic.”
Ruben Amorim got his midfield spot on
United’s midfield pairing has been a hot topic this season, with fans understandably wanting Kobbie Mainoo to get more minutes.
Push comes to shove: Would you rather have Kobbie Mainoo stay at Man Utd or Ruben Amorim?
Kobbie Mainoo and Ruben Amorim split
Credit: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Even Amorim wants Mainoo to play more this season, but the pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro is a winning formula.
Often this season, United collapse when Casemiro is taken off. This time, Amorim kept the Brazilian midfielder on the pitch and he helped to seal the victory.
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Cole is right – Fernandes and Casemiro drove United’s comeback from midfield, helping to set up a much more organised pressing system against a Palace side playing an identical formation.
Amorim has certainly not got everything right this season, but his selection and tactics against Palace deserve credit.