UNITED ABLE TO MOUNT A CHALLENGE

IT may have been freezing near the away dressing room at Selhurst Park but the jovial mood among the Manchester United squad was keeping spirits warm.

- BY JACK FLINTHAM

Captain Bruno Fernandes joked with Joshua Zirkzee while a beaming Luke Shaw spoke at length with veteran commentator Martin Tyler before heading to the team bus.

Manager Ruben Amorim was keen to maintain the positive atmosphere, teasing about a preliminary press conference before the main event.

A positivity that was clear to see as match-winner Mason Mount emerged.

Not only had Mount scored the winner in United's 2-1 defeat of Crystal Palace, he had just completed his first 90 minutes in the Premier League since signing from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 - and only his second full 90 for United.