Five things we learnt as United pull out priceless victory at Selhurst Park

Manchester United travelled to Selhurst Park to face off against Crystal Palace. Senne Lammens remained in goal while Diogo Dalot repalced Patrick Dorgu. Amad returned to a right wing back spot, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw as the three centre backs. Ruben Amorim kept his go-to midfield with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro with Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount in the number 10 positions. Joshua Zirkzee was given another chance to lead the line after a wasteful effort versus Everton. Here are five things we learnt from the match. Central midfield overran again In a tale as old as time, Manchester United’s midfield was overran once again. Casemiro and Fernandes are both in their 30s and clearly don’t have the legs to compete in the Premier League. Nonetheless, they are constantly tasked to go up against midfield threes and were once again outsprinted and thought by a team that played in France on Thursday night. United are aware of the problem as they are targeting midfield reinforcements in the summer but perhaps that will be too late to save their season. Yoro’s poor form Yoro has an abundance of talent and will most likely play at the highest level for a long time. It is also feels unfair to pick on a 20 year old surrounded by much more experienced players. Nonetheless, objectively, his performances have declined in recent weeks and he had a first half to forget versus Palace. He made two crucial mistakes that led to a penalty that Jean-Philippe Mateta eventually converted. It was a clumsy tackle that made little sense and once again piled on the problems for Ruben Amorim’s side. United fans will hope Yoro can soon rediscover his true performance level. Joshua Zirkzee finds his touch The Dutchman was very poor on Monday night but in his defence, he was one of the few players who had efforts on goal. His first half against Palace was largely forgettable once more as he looked well off the pace. Nonetheless, he burst into life in the second half when he fired in an equaliser from tight range. With an injury to Benjamin Sesko and a lack of depth in attacking areas, Zirkzee returning to form would be incredibly welcome. Mason Mount needs to stay fit The Englishman has been one of Ruben Amorim’s most consistent performers since returning from injury in the spring last season. He fired in a great goal from an indirect free kick to give United the lead and seems to understand Amorim’s tactical instructions better than most. Mount’s biggest issue at Old Trafford has been his ability to stay fit and United supporters will hope this is finally the season they can see the Mount who impressed so much at Chelsea. Return of Lisandro Martinez After suffering an horrendous injury versus Crystal Palace in February, it was somewhat poetic that he returned against the same opponent after nine months out. The Argentine defender replaced Luke Shaw in the last ten minutes in a welcome boost for the squad. With the season entering a hectic winter schedule, Martinez’s return will be fantastic news for everyone associated with United. Featured image JWarren Little 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.