4 key passes, 2 assists, 5/8 long balls: this player was the heartbeat of United’s attack in gutsy 2-1 win over Crystal Palace

Manchester United produced an unlikely comeback to win 2-1 away at Crystal Palace. Despite coming off a loss to face the high-flying Palace at Selhurst Park, Man United did not allow their opponents’ home-ground advantage to get them down. Even after going 1-0 down following an unfortunate penalty, United managed to complete a mental reset in the half-time break, coming back onto the pitch as a new team with a fresh outlook. While it was an admirable performance from Ruben Amorim’s team as a whole, Bruno Fernandes proved to be the heartbeat of United’s midfield, lifting his team to victory. Playmaker at work Just as could be expected when at his best, Fernandes expertly conducted United’s comeback from the centre of the pitch. His playmaking was the highlight of the match, particularly from free-kicks. In the 54th minute, he picked out Zirkzee with his free-kick, enabling the forward to produce a stunning strike to level the score. From yet another free-kick, Fernandes engineered United’s second goal. This time round, he decided against making a cross, instead tapping the ball to the side for Mason Mount to collect. Mount then hit his shot hard and low to clinch the winning goal for United. As if his two assists weren’t enough to prove how impactful he was, Fernandes’ statistics make for further impressive reading. PlayerBruno Fernandes Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.01 Assists2 Expected assists (xA)0.41 Key passes4 Crosses (accurate)9 (2) Accurate passes35/41 (85%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)14/26 (54%) Passes in own half (acc.)14/15 (93%) Long balls (accurate)5/8 (63%) Total shots1 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Touches68 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)1 (0) Was fouled1 Possession lost16 Tackles (won)2 (1) Interceptions2 Clearances2 Blocked shots3 Recoveries2 Ground duels (won)6 (3) Aerial duels (won)1 (0) Dribbled past1 Leading the charge Fernandes made four key passes throughout the match; the most of any player from either side. Five of his eight long balls found their target, while 35 of his 41 passes were accurate, making for a passing accuracy of 85%. The United skipper provided his defence with constant support. He produced nine defensive actions, including three blocked shots, two clearances, two interceptions, and two tackles. He was unable to win his only aerial duel, while three of six ground duels ended in his favour. While subtle with his performance and somewhat in the background for much of the match, Fernandes proved to be the cog behind the face of the watch that kept it ticking. It was he who created the opportunities that led to both goals, proving once again how valuable he is to United. Following the thrilling victory, it will be interesting to see how high Fernandes and his teammates can fly as the business end of the season approaches. (Stats via Sofascore) Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mathew Cohen A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.