A late, jarring challenge sent captain Bruno Fernandes crashing to the turf at Selhurst Park, sparking concern amongst the Manchester United faithful. The midfielder had orchestrated a stunning second-half turnaround, providing the assists for both goals in a hard-fought victory.
Fernandes’ creative spark propelled him to the top of the assist charts, surpassing notable names like Xhaka and Grealish. Yet, the final whistle brought a worrying sight as he engaged in a lengthy conversation with the coaching staff, visibly assessing the impact of the forceful blow.
Relief washed over the team as head coach Amorim quickly dismissed fears of a serious injury. He confirmed it was simply a heavy kick, and Fernandes assured the bench he was alright, though a late substitution was made as a precaution.
The comeback itself was a testament to United’s resilience. Trailing after a penalty conceded, the team emerged from halftime with a renewed intensity, overwhelming Crystal Palace and seizing control of the match.
Amorim pinpointed subtle shifts in performance as the key to the victory. He highlighted improved control from Zirkzee and a greater determination in winning second balls, emphasizing how these “small details” unlocked their potential.
Josh Zirkzee’s goal, his first in the Premier League in nearly a year, was particularly significant. Amorim believes the strike will be a turning point, restoring the forward’s confidence and igniting his attacking prowess.
The win propelled United into sixth place, level with league leaders Arsenal in a surprising statistic: both teams now boast ten goals from set-pieces. Amorim stressed the critical importance of mastering these opportunities in a fiercely competitive league.
“If you don’t work on set-pieces, you are losing the game already,” he stated, underscoring their value as a consistent source of goals and momentum. They represent a chance to break down stubborn defenses and inject belief into the team.
Amorim’s vision extends beyond this single victory. He’s building a team capable of challenging anyone, emphasizing the need for relentless effort and precision in every aspect of their play.
He confidently asserted that with unwavering commitment to these fundamentals – the right pass, the intelligent movement – United possess the quality to overcome any opponent. The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum in their upcoming home fixture.
The message is clear: United are striving for consistency, aiming to transform potential into tangible results, and believing they have the tools to compete at the highest level.
