Crystal Palace 2-3 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points

#4 United’s gain, Chelsea’s pain?

Chelsea's mistake?

A hard worker, nerve-settler and now, a brilliant finisher – these have been Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic’s attributes this season for Manchester United, especially in the encounter at Selhurst Park.

He brought that calming influence to United after they fell behind, slotting in as a third centre-back to help soak up Palace pressure during set-pieces and getting in the way of crosses floating in the direction of Benteke and Alex Sorloth in a centre-forward position.

In the second half, he had a wider range of passing options to consider as Rashford and Valencia, followed by Rashford and Lingard, began dominating the wings.

His stunning strike to win the game for the visitors at the death was the icing on the cake for a professionally exceptional display by the Serbian.

Chelsea’s decision to sell the ex-Benfica man to United last summer poses more questions than answers for their management.

While United march on in their quest to qualify for the automatic Champions League spots thanks to Matic’s consistent performances, his replacement at Chelsea in Tiemoue Bakayoko has failed to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League so far.

The Frenchman has not been in action since his sending off after 30 minutes in Chelsea’s 4-1 humbling at Watford last month.

On the other hand, Matic continues to show why he is such an invaluable asset to United’s progress under Jose Mourinho with a series of disciplined and purposeful performances in front of the defence.