Manchester United returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Mason Mount emerging as the unlikely hero.The midfielder’s decisive strike midway through the second half secured three crucial points for Erik ten Hag’s side — though even Mount himself admitted he didn’t expect to be the one to deliver the knockout blow.The match-winning moment came from a well-worked free-kick routine involving captain Bruno Fernandes, whose decision to lay the ball off to Mount rather than take the shot himself caught everyone — including his teammate — by surprise.
“We always have a little conversation,” Mason Mount revealed after the game. “I said to him, ‘I’ll roll it for you,’ but then he told me, ‘You stay there.’ I thought he meant he’d take the shot, but then he rolled it over really quickly. It caught everyone off guard — even me! I just reacted and hit it. Luckily, it found that little bit of space in the wall and went in.”
The goal, Mount’s second since joining United, was his first start in over a month following injury setbacks. His strike nestled into Dean Henderson’s near post, with the Palace wall slow to react to the quickly executed move.
However, while the result provided a much-needed boost on the pitch, United’s off-field plans have hit a snag. Reports suggest that City are now leading the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, a player long identified as a top target by United scouts.
According to the Daily Mail, Pep Guardiola’s side are preparing to intensify their pursuit of the talented 23-year-old midfielder, who could cost upwards of £80 million. Forest are reluctant to sell in January, but a summer bidding war is already brewing — one that may force United into difficult transfer decisions.
With Casemiro’s contract nearing its end and doubts surrounding Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future, Anderson had been viewed as a natural successor in United’s evolving midfield. But City’s growing interest could yet see another high-profile target slip through Old Trafford’s grasp.
For now, though, Ten Hag will take comfort in Mount’s match-winning return — and the belief that United may finally be rediscovering their rhythm at the right time.
