Nemanja Matic struck in stoppage time as Manchester United came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Crystal Palace.
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Matic picked the ideal time to score his first United goal after Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku had dragged United back from two goals down.
If Matic continues to defy his fellow teammates’ wishes to produce magical moments such as these, it is safe to assume that boss Jose Mourinho won’t mind it too much.
Mourinho admitted he was furious with his players’ lethargic first half performance and he tore into them, while demanding they show more tactical discipline.
While United must win, if they lose, only one point will separate second and third place.
A Palace side who hadn’t beaten United in any game since 1991 and have lost 17 and drawn three of their 20 games since.
Lindelof already feels a better player after less than a season in England and his confidence is rising as he shows that development on the pitch.
Romelu Lukaku went absolutely mental when Nemanja Matic scored a last minute victor at Selhurst Park on Monday evening.
Asked about the lack of such comeback wins in Manchester United’s recent history, Smalling told MUTV: “No, we haven’t”.
Manager Mourinho was unhappy with his side’s sloppy defending – particularly allowing Van Aanholt to score the second from a quick free-kick – while praising their character. “I can not tell you because you would have lots of (bleeps), but half of it was tactical information”.
The three vital points took United back up to second in the Premier League. Hard match for me because my team made so many mistakes.
United’s star players, the biggest names, had done nothing, while young midfielder Scott McTominay was replaced during the break as Mourinho switched his tactics.
After seeing his team beat Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in Europe this season, the 30-year-old is confident they have enough firepower to cope with the Italian champions. “But it is a goal of two extra points”.
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United’s late clincher came from Matic as he struck home a half volley from around 25 yards out. Even when it was 2-2, where in some games you’d probably take that after being 2-0 down, we went after them.
