Manager hails goalscorer Zirkzee for all-round impact on team
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim praised his players for getting the “small details” right after they overturned a first-half deficit to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Second-half goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount eased the pressure on Amorim after a damaging home defeat to 10-man Everton earlier in the week, and lifted United into seventh place in the rankings.
The win was only the club’s second away league victory in their last 12 attempts and came at a ground where Palace had not lost a league game since February.
The visitors were second best for long spells before the break but Amorim said the response after half-time showed what his side are capable of when the standards rise.
“It’s important to win every game and again today was proof that if you play the same way but increase the way we fight for every ball and the small details, the certainty on the pass, the movements, we work on that in a different pace, we can beat anyone,” said Amorim.
In a game of two halves, Palace controlled much of the first period, but United grew into the contest after the break and began to find more space as the home side’s energy dipped.
“We increased the rhythm in the second half,” Amorim said. “We took advantage of the opponent that we felt even in the first half, the last 15 minutes, were tired.
“But the main change was the intensity and the pace of our game, even quality when we connect, especially with Josh in the second half, was different. So I think in the end, we deserved the three points, and I’m really happy to give that to the fans.”
Zirkzee, starting in place of the injured Benjamin Sesko, scored his first league goal in almost a year and only his fourth since joining the club last season. Amorim was quick to stress that the striker’s overall contribution mattered as much as the finish itself.
“It is so important for a striker to score a goal,” said Amorim. “He is not playing many minutes but the way he responds in the second half is really important. It’s more important than just the goal.
“Again the small details – win one first ball for us to win the second ball. The connection is so important for our game. The goal is really important for our team and for him.”
