Matic's screamer completes comeback as United downs Crystal Palace

Nemanja Matic scored a long-range screamer in the 92nd minute to complete a come-from-behind victory over Crystal Palace, with Manchester United battling back from 2-0 down to take all three points out of Selhurst Park.

Goals from Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku cancelled out Palace's opening efforts - scored by Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt - before Matic unleashed a tremendous strike from well outside the box to secure the result.

Roy Hodgson's players found themselves up 2-0 at the 48-minute mark as Van Aanholt finished off a quick free-kick routine, leaving David De Gea and the rest of United's backline stunned, and if that scoreline held, Palace would have climbed out of the Premier League's relegation zone.

But Smalling's well-placed header in the 55th minute, coupled with Lukaku's mesmerising finish in the box - the end result of a number of feints and fake shots - had Hodgson's side settling for a point at extra time.

Still, United piled on the pressure, with Matic first seeking to find Juan Mata or Paul Pogba, before the ball was once again recycled his way. With an opening in front of him and a left-footed shot, the Serbia midfielder unleashed a cracking rocket and found the top-left corner past Wayne Hennessey's fingers.

Jose Mourinho will certainly appreciate the effort, as well as the three points, though to little end as the Red Devils remain well behind Manchester City in the table, separated by a gap of 16 points.