Bruno Fernandes reveals what United changed in the second half to beat Palace

Manchester United notched yet another come-from-behind win in the Premier League, this time a 2-1 win away from home against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The victory ended the Eagles’ recent good run against the Red Devils, and their unbeaten 12-game streak at Selhurst Park.

It did not look possible at the end of the first half, as the hosts went into the break with a one-goal advantage. Palace looked well up for it despite playing in midweek.

And United, who lost to 10 men of Everton in the previous gameweek, looked lethargic as ever.

What United changed in the second half

As skipper Bruno Fernandes pointed out, the visitors played to Palace’s strengths and lacked any real intensity which meant they lost more 50-50 duels.

“First half we were a bit slow with the ball and played to their strengths. We weren’t good with the second balls and they were waiting for that.

“We changed in the second half and became stronger on second balls and stronger on the ball,” the club captain told BBC MOTD.

And there was a massive response from the team in the second half, as goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount turned the tie on its head.

“It was massive,” the Portugal international told MUTV. “We needed the three points after the performance and the result we had last week.

Praise for Zirkzee, Mount

“We needed a response very quickly. I think first half was not great for us, but the second half was a very big response.”

The captain was quick to praise both goalscorers. The duo have not played as much, with the Dutchman coming under intense scrutiny in recent weeks.

“They were unbelievable goals. I didn’t think Joshua could score from that angle but I know his qualities. We did something exactly the same in training and today he repeated it. I’m very proud of how he finished it.

“Strikers live for goals. Joshua is not that type of player because he likes to build-up, turn and serve his team-mates. But scoring does give a lot of confidence.”

Bruno Fernandes on Lisandro Martinez return

“Mason is a great player and gives assists also. The quality of Mason was never in doubt for his team-mates. Sometimes he struggled a bit for goals and assists but he works so hard for the team. Mason is important, he’s struggling with injuries but when he gets his fitness he is important.”

Apart from three points, United fans will have been delighted to see Lisandro Martinez return to the pitch after a gap of almost 10 months. Naturally, Bruno Fernandes was ecstatic for his teammate.

“It’s very important to have him back, it’s such a long spell that he was out, even for himself, it’s great to be back with the team to have this feeling of playing games again.

“We know how much he struggled being out without being able to play for us. He’s back and one more option to have such big quality in the team, so we’re very happy with it.”

Feature image Vincent Carchietta via Getty Images

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