Precisely as the United manager likely believed his fortune remained negative, the Red Devils delivered the home side's initial home loss in league competition from February onward.
The Austrian coach's team dominated early justifiably opened the scoring by way of the French striker's second penalty attempt. However they failed to convert superiority into goals after previously struggling to net versus Palace, the visitors responded with a rapid double via the Dutch forward and Mason Mount.
This represented a difficult afternoon at the end of a long week for the Palace boss, who observed his winger limp off with a worrying issue prior to the break.
Ruben Amorim probably contained his emotions in check as he headed toward the dressing room right after the final whistle.
The United manager minimized similarities regarding both managers' strategic methods during preparation, although he acknowledged that the opposition "simply perform things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".
His response to the disappointing loss versus reduced Everton was to change the wide defenders, featuring the Ivorian occupying the right wing with the full-back took over from Dorgu.
United must have sensed a chance to benefit considering they enjoyed three more days to prepare and almost went ahead within the first minute.
An extended delivery caused chaos in the Palace area however incredibly the ex-United shot-stopper produced a point-blank save on his goalline to prevent the midfielder.
The narrow escape functioned as a warning for Palace following the midday start that was scheduled by TV requirements.
Soon the chances began to come thick and fast. After missing a hatful of chances in midweek, it appeared could potentially not become the Frenchman's match after he sent shots wide of the target inside the opening 15 minutes.
However during a period where negotiations regarding the forward's renewal have stalled, Mateta stepped up who opened the scoring.
One more perfect ball by the midfielder enticed the young Frenchman into the challenge and, having just made a brilliant block to stop the winger, Yoro was forced to foul Mateta in the penalty box.
The goalkeeper returned with head protection to shield his eyes from the setting sun but he will be disappointed enabling Amorim's team to equalise eight minutes post the break.
The home side was sleeping from a rapid Fernandes set-piece enabling the Dutchman to chest the ball down and pivot in one motion to generate a strike that flew into the net.
Following weathering a goalmouth scramble where Zirkzee almost scored another time defensively, their day improved further shortly afterward as the Dutch attacker was brought down near the 18-yard line by Marc Guéhi.
There was a moment's hesitation in the defensive wall during Fernandes' delivery the dead ball to the midfielder enabling the Englishman to score past the keeper with a powerful drive.
Missing the Senegal international's acceleration to depend on, the home team struggled to create another chance as United were able to see out a crucial victory which moves Manchester United leapfrog the Eagles up to sixth spot.
Elena Marchetti is a technology journalist with a passion for demystifying complex topics. She has been covering tech trends for over a decade.