5 things we learned from Crystal Palace 2-3 Manchester United

Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to defeat Crystal Palace by three goals to two in a thrilling Premier League encounter.

The fixture, which was action packed, was a true reflection of a game played on Monday night. The Red Devils were obviously not at their best but just managed to get the job done over a spirited, stubborn Crystal Palace side.

Goals from Chris Smalling, Romelu Lukaku and a Nemanja Matic screamer were enough to overturn the score line despite Roy Hodgson’s side racing into a two goal lead within the first 50 minutes.

Here are five things we learned from the game:

#5 Mourinho borrows a leaf from Fergie’s book

Mourinho opted to bring on more attackers as United were trailing

Comeback wins were synonymous with the Sir Alex Ferguson era and when Nemanja Matic thumped in that 91st-minute winner, many Manchester United fans must have felt the years roll back.

Under Fergie, the Red Devils were never to be ruled out of a game until the final whistle was blown. On Monday, Jose Mourinho appeared to have stolen one of the legendary Scotsman’s tricks in getting United the win.

With the scoreline at 2-1, the Portuguese opted to take out Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia and rather brought on attacking players in Luke Shaw and Juan Mata. The decision meant Manchester United was left with just two defenders in Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof, as the side totally switched to an attacking system.

Such tweaks used to be the hallmark of Fergie’s United, and Mourinho showed that he is capable of doing them when the time calls for it.

#4 Man United show fighting spirit

Man United did not give up even at 0-2 down

Rarely have Man United shown this season that they have the fighting spirit to turn games in their favour. The Red Devils have often struggled when they fall behind, but in the last two games they have shown a totally new Man United side.

Against Crystal Palace, Mourinho’s side was lackluster for much of the first 50 minutes but continued to push until they got their three points. At 0-2 down, there was no intention of letting the Eagles go home with the win, with the players pushing and pushing until eventually Matic scored the winner.

This kind of fighting spirit has been missing at Old Trafford since 2013, but on Monday it was on full display as the Red Devils staged a dramatic comeback.

#3 Matic continues to prove why Chelsea were wrong to sell him

Matic scored in the last minute to win the game for Man United

In the aftermath of Man United’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, Twitter went berserk with trolls following Matic’s breathtaking strike at the death. Most of them were directed at Chelsea for allowing such an asset to join a major rival.

As it stands, it is clear that the Blues were wrong to sell the Serbian midfielder to Manchester United and his performances in the red jersey have only added more ridicule to Chelsea’s transfer policy.

Matic’s goal was the perfect moment to cap off his brilliant second half display against Crystal Palace, but the former Benfica man was even more impressive when Man United faced Antonio Conte’s men last week.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, Matic’s performances in the last seven days have catapulted United nine points above them with just nine games to go. It couldn't have been any worse, could it?

#2 Alexis still struggling

Sanchez once again failed to shine

While many fans are busy celebrating the hard-fought win over Crystal Palace, there are still lingering questions over Alexis Sanchez’s contribution to the side. The former Arsenal star has not been able to replicate his form of old since moving to Old Trafford, and Monday was another frustrating day at the office.

The Chilean was often lethargic, misplacing most of his passes and also easily dispossessed off the ball (8 times during the match). Despite arriving to huge fanfare, Sanchez has so far failed to shine in any of United’s games, barring the FA Cup win over Yeovil back in February where he netted from a penalty rebound.

With a clash against Liverpool to come on Saturday, most Red Devils fans will be hoping to see a totally new Alexis. But on the basis on his past outings for the club, it’s obvious he is seriously struggling to make any meaningful impact.

#5 Pogba steps up in time of need

Pogba runs the show for Man United

Man United‘s poor showing in the first half against Crystal Palace led to harsh criticisms of Paul Pogba. However, the midfielder turned a new leaf in the second half to redeem himself. Pogba moved more centrally following the withdrawal of Scott McTominay and showed flashes of the man Manchester United shelled £89 million to bring from Juventus.

The 24-year-old has often been bashed for going missing in games, but on Monday he took things into his hands and dominated play in the last 30 minutes of the game. Indeed, he was unfortunate not to have gotten on the score sheet, with his goal-bound effort being thwarted by Wayne Hennessey towards the end of the game.

There is definitely more that Pogba is capable of doing in this Manchester United side, and his performance against Crystal Palace could just be the start of it all.