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Chris Smalling

Nemanja Matic rocket wins it for Manchester United at Crystal Palace

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CRYSTAL PALACE 2, MANCHESTER UNITED 3

Nemanja Matic’s injury time rocket sealed a brilliant comeback for Manchester United who overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and retake second place in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s touchline slip late in a remarkable game at Selhurst Park seemed to sum up Manchester United’s dreadful day in South London but the United boss was soon smiling after Matic chose the perfect time to open his account for the Reds.

Goals by Andros Townsend and Patrick Van Aanholt early in both halves put the Reds on the back foot and despite Chris Smalling’s header halving the deficit before Romelu Lukaku levelled matters and Nemanja Matic’s injury time winner deflated the home side after United finally seemed to show some of that old United spirit in the last quarter of the game as the shackles came off.

Matt Ritchie’s strike condemns Manchester United to defeat after Chris Smalling’s foolish dive at Newcastle dents the Reds title hopes

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NEWCASTLE UNITED 1, MANCHESTER UNITED 0

Matt Ritchie scored the only goal in a contest that might have terminally ended Manchester United’s title challenge for this season as Newcastle United beat the Reds 1-0 to win their first home game in the Premier League since October 21.

By Jose Mourinho’s own admission, Newcastle “fought like animals” to outperform the Reds and earn a vital three points which dragged them out of the relegation zone.

Mourinho still hasn’t won at St James’ Park in the Premier League and defeat leaves Manchester United 16 points behind City with 11 games to go and with an increasing prospect of playing for the title at the Etihad in the Manchester Derby on April 7 depending on results.