Ibrahimovic’s late strike lifts United past Crystal Palace
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s enduring predatory instincts rescued Manchester United Wednesday, as he seized on a late opportunity to secure a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace with his 13th goal of the season.
Ibrahimovic netted the winner in the 88th minute from a tight angle after Paul Pogba slickly threaded the ball through to the 35-year-old striker.
And at the final whistle, Jose Mourinho went over to embrace Pogba, who had slotted United in front on the stroke of halftime, only for James McArthur to level after the break.
Thanks to Ibrahimovic, Mourinho has consecutive wins in the league for the first time since August to keep United three points behind fifth-place Tottenham.
Palace is only three points above the relegation zone after one win in 10 matches, perilous form for manager Alan Pardew, who has spoken of his job insecurity in recent weeks.
Palace was gifting United space and possession for much of the first half, rarely breaking out of its own half.
What United lacked as Wayne Rooney made his first league start in a month was a significant threat up front, yet the captain was coming closest. A header from Rooney was off target and the striker’s shot on the turn was repelled by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
United was fortunate to remain with 11 men after Marcos Rojo’s two-footed challenge on former Old Trafford winger Wilfried Zaha. The defender escaped with a yellow card.
In the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, Palace was punished by its inability to defend a set-piece — but the hosts had legitimate grievances on two counts.
Ibrahimovic initially appeared to chest down Juan Mata’s free kick into the path of Pogba. Replays, though, indicated Ibrahimovic’s hand helped the ball along, while Pogba was in an offside position when he turned the ball past Hennessey.