PL: Matic’s stunner seals dramatic Utd comeback

Nemanja Matic scored an excellent long range effort as Manchester United came from two goals down to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park.

Andros Townsend put the Eagles 1-0 ahead at the break, with Patrick van Aanholt adding a second three minutes after the restart.

Chris Smalling pulled one back for the Red Devils on the 55th minute, of a cross from Antonio Valencia, before top scorer, Romelu Lukaku equalised for the visitors. It was Lukaku’s 99th goal in the Premier League.

The comeback was completed when Matic scored a blinding effort from 25yards out in stoppage time, his first goal for United, after an excellent David De Gea save had denied Christian Benteke earlier for Palace.

It was Matic’s second attempt of the night, after his first was brilliantly cleared off the line by the hosts.

“”We had a great attitude, and great quality football in the second half,” United manager, José Mourinho said after the game. “It’s an amazing comeback and a very important victory for us.”

The result means United move back to second, ahead of their game on Saturday against Liverpool, who drop to third.

For Palace, their search for a first win against United continues as they remain in the dreaded relegation waters on 18th.

Up next for these two, it’s second against third when United hosts Liverpool in a crunch tie at Old Trafford this weekend, while Palace travel to Stamford Bridge to take on champions, Chelsea.