Crystal Palace boss hails star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after brace in Manchester United win

Oliver Glasner hailed Jean-Philippe Mateta’s confidence after his brace in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday.

The French striker netted his first of the afternoon in the 64th minute when Maxence Lacroix’s header looped off the crossbar and fell to Mateta to slot home.

He wrapped up the three points in a counter-attacking move which saw Daniel Munoz roll the ball along the face of goal for Mateta to score.

The former Mainz forward has scored 10 goals this season in the league and is joint-top scorer with Chris Wood in 2025.

Glasner said: “It is amazing when you have a number nine who scores goals — that is what everyone expects from a striker.

“He has the confidence and the feeling at the moment – both goals were one-touch finishes. 

“For the set play, he was there. He had the feeling and the confidence to be in the right areas. 

“The second goal looked easy in the end because it was a one-touch finish, but it was his 20th run in behind. 

“He runs and runs, and many times, he does not get the ball, but in the end, he gets the rewards.

“I am pleased with his performance, but he alone could not score all the goals.”