After watching a dismal first half performance and some lackluster performances form the defenders one could have only hope that the second half would be better.
After conceding the first goal through somewhat unfortunate circumstances by way of the ball deflecting off Victor Lindelof the visiting team still struggled to get into the game. They were losing the ball too much and being outplayed by a team fighting for Premier League survival.
Palace got a second goal after a quick play from a free kick with Patrick van Aanholt beating DeGea at his near post giving the home side a strong advantage going into the second half.
United started the second half in a completely different mode as the began to string passes after passes trying to break down the palace defense to try and get back into the game. They achieved that in the 56th minute through a header from Chris Smalling who some would say was not performing like a player who has been at Manchester United for 8 years. United continued the charge, pressing Palace and pushing them back. There were instances where the home side could have scored but if it were not for the best goalkeeper in the world United would surely have lost the game. Romelu Lukaku made it 2-2 on the 76th minute after Alexis Sanches' shot deflected on to the cross bar, he took his time but eventually struck to tie the game a 2 a piece.
At this point the game had really heated up with both teams trying to secure the three points with United trying to reclaim 2nd spot and Palace trying to get out of the relegation zone. The game decider came from a stunner by Nemanja Matic who struck in the famous Fergie time to give United all 3 points.
United can now breathe easy as they get ready to welcome the high flying and free scoring Liverpool to the Theater of Dreams on Saturday.
In preperation for that game manager Jose Mourinho will have to address his side's defensive woes of late and look to claim all three points from Jurgen Klopp's men.
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