Precisely as the Portuguese coach likely believed his fortune wasn't changing, Manchester United managed to inflict Oliver Glasner's team's opening Selhurst Park setback in domestic football from February onward.
The Palace manager's team dominated early rightfully went ahead via Jean-Philippe Mateta's repeated spot-kick. However they failed to capitalize on their control following earlier difficulties to find the net at Selhurst, United struck back two times in quick succession via the Dutch forward plus the former Chelsea player.
This represented a difficult afternoon at the end after multiple matches for the home manager, who saw the Senegalese international depart hurt with a serious problem in the first period.
Ruben Amorim may have kept his emotions in check as he headed down the tunnel directly following the game's end.
The Portuguese coach dismissed parallels involving his and Glasner's game philosophy in the buildup, though recognizing that Glasner's team "are just doing things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".
His response to the lacklustre defeat versus reduced Everton was to change the wide defenders, with Amad Diallo shifting to the right side with the full-back took over from Dorgu.
The visitors likely felt an opportunity to profit since they possessed additional preparation time and came close to leading inside the opening minute.
A long throw generated disorder in the home penalty box but somehow the former United goalkeeper executed a reflex block at his goal line to deny Casemiro.
The narrow escape acted as an alert for Glasner's men post the lunchtime beginning which was determined for broadcast purposes.
Soon the chances commenced appearing frequently. Subsequent to squandered a hatful of chances during European action, it appeared it might not be Mateta's day after he sent attempts off target inside the opening 15 minutes.
Yet amid days when talks over the forward's renewal hit obstacles, it was the France international who found the breakthrough.
Another precise pass by the midfielder enticed the young Frenchman into the challenge after recently producing excellent defensive stop to stop the winger, the young defender had to trip his compatriot within the 18-yard area.
The goalkeeper returned with head protection to protect his vision from the low sun but he will be disappointed to have allowed United to level the score post the break.
The home side was sleeping from a rapid Fernandes set-piece and Zirkzee was able to control with his chest and swivel in the same movement to produce a shot that found the top corner.
Following weathering a goalmouth scramble as the forward came close again at the wrong end, their afternoon got even better a few minutes later when the Netherlands forward was tripped near the 18-yard line from the Palace defender.
A brief pause occurred in the defensive wall when Fernandes rolled the free-kick to Mount permitting Mount to defeat the goalkeeper with a powerful drive.
Lacking the winger's speed to call on, the home team struggled to create further attempts allowing Amorim's team to complete a crucial victory elevating United move above Palace into sixth place.
Liam Verhoeven is a digital content curator who scours the web for the most engaging reels and videos.