Jean-Philippe Mateta's double strike sinks Manchester United: Key stats
What's the story
Jean-Philippe Mateta turned out to be the hero for Crystal Palace in matchweek 24 of the Premier League 2024/25 season at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
His two goals handed his team a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The win was especially important as it took Oliver Glasner's side above their rivals to 12th place on the league table, while United dropped to 13th.
Here's more.
Scoring struggles
United's scoring woes continue in Premier League
Manchester United's search for back-to-back Premier League wins this season continued with their loss to Crystal Palace.
The team's goal-scoring woes were further emphasized by coach Ruben Amorim's decision to bench both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
This came as Marcus Rashford is close to sealing his move to Aston Villa, further depleting United's attacking arsenal.
Injury setback
Martinez's injury adds to United's woes
The defeat was further marred by an apparent serious knee injury to Lisandro Martinez.
The extent of his injury and its potential impact on the team's performance in upcoming matches remains uncertain.
This setback adds to the challenges facing Manchester United as they strive to improve their standing in the Premier League this season.
Details
Match stats and points table
United had two shots on target with the Eagles managing 3. United has as many as 17 attempts as the visitors clocked 11.
In terms of possession, the Red Devils bossed the show (67%). They also earned 11 corners.
Palace had 2.61 in terms of expected goals compared to United's 1.31. United had 59 touches in the opposition box as Palace managed 22.
United suffered their 11th defeat of the campaign. Palace secured their 7th win (30 points).
Match
Mateta hands Palace the lead after a goalless first half
Kobbie Mainoo, started ahead of Hojlund and Zirkzee as a forward, struck the post early on in the match. Both sides had chances but the final element was missing as the half ended goalless.
Eberechi Eze, who came on as a sub, floated an excellent 64th-minute free-kick deep into the penalty area.
Maxence Lacroix's header came back off the bar before Mateta turned the bouncing ball into an empty net.
Information
A late goal helps United
Later on in the 2nd half, Mateta made it 2-0 from Daniel Munoz's assist in the 89th minute. United never quite looked like scoring and failed to response after going down earlier.
Information
Mateta races to 34 Premier League goals
Making his 117th appearance in the Premier League, Mateta scored his 34th goal (A7). This season, the forward has raced to 10 Premier League goals for the Eagles.
Opta stats
Sorry stats for the Red Devils
Since the beginning of last season only Wolves (16) have lost more Premier League home matches than Manchester United (13).
United have lost seven of their first 13 home league games this season.
It's now their joint-most at this stage of a league campaign, along with 1893-94 (also seven).
United have failed to score in the first half of 18 different Premier League games this season.
Meanwhile, Palace have won four of their last 6 away matches against United.