A 30-YARD stunner from Nemanja Matic sealed an incredible second-half comeback for Manchester United over Crystal Palace.
Despite missing several key players through injury, Palace took the lead in the 11th minute when Christian Benteke fed Andros Townsend and the winger’s shot took a deflection off Victor Lindelof and flew into the net.
Manchester United struggled to get going in the first half with Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba particularly unimpressive.
At half-time, United boss Jose Mourinho hauled off Scott McTominay and brought on Marcus Rashford.
But United found themselves 2-0 down when in the 48th minute Jeffrey Schlupp took a quick free-kick and released Patrick Van Aanholt.
The full-back raced away from the United defence and then finished coolly past De Gea at the near post.
United responded quickly with Chris Smalling heading home in the 76th minute, Also, Romelu Lukaku fired a low effort past Wayne Hennessey.
Then in stoppage time, Matic produced a stunning strike from distance to win all three points.
Manchester United travelled to Crystal Palace with hope to reclaim second position from Liverpool.
Jose Mourinho’s hopes of securing a top-four finish were boosted over the weekend having seen both Chelsea and Arsenal beaten.
This victory would see United move nine points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea with just nine Premier League games remaining.
Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace slipped into the relegation zone after Swansea’s emphatic 4-1 win over West Ham at the Liberty Stadium.
That coupled with a goalless draw between Southampton and Stoke leave the Eagles desperate for points.
Palace have fixtures with Chelsea, Huddersfield and Liverpool by the end of the month, after when they face a kinder run against Bournemouth, Brighton, Watford, Leicester, Stoke and West Brom.
Man Utd player ratings against Crystal Palace
Manchester United endured a frustrating evening with several of their biggest stars off the pace against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Jose Mourinho's men found themselves trailing at half-time after Andros Townsend's deflected strike, with the Eagles then doubling their lead through Patrick van Aanholt immediately after the break.
Chris Smalling pulled one back 10 minutes later, heading in Antonio Valencia's cross before Romelu Lukaku kept his cool to equalise with a low strike past Wayne Hennessey.
Nemanja Matic then popped up with a sublime half-volley from 30 yards out to steal all three points and save Manchester United's blushes.
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