Nemanja Matic scored a stunning stoppage-time winner last night as Manchester United came from 2-0 down to go second in the Premier League table and leave Crystal Palace in the relegation zone.
Roy Hodgson’s side held a two-goal lead shortly after half-time, and would have climbed all the way up to 13th place with a win.
But, after Chris Smalling’s header started a comeback from an improving United, Romelu Lukaku swept in his 99th Premier League goal to pile the pressure on the tiring hosts.
And, with 91 minutes on the clock, Matic smashed in a dipping shot from 25 yards to consign Palace to another week in the drop zone and move United above Liverpool.
The two giants meet at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime and Mourinho will know that, despite this win, his team must play far better than they did for most of an underwhelming display at Selhurst Park if they are to beat Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Palace, who will feel deflated to remain 18th after leading through goals from Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt, must take heart for the dogfight ahead from their committed and organised display with 10 first-team players out.
But, when seconds away from a point, Matic smashed home to inflict a second costly late home defeat in the space of eight days.
