This was the first match since January 2023 in which Mount played the entire 90 minutes, his last full game being in a Chelsea jersey, also against Palace.

With forwards Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko missing the squad due to injuries, Mount started in the lineup at Selhurst Park, and his goal in the 63rd minute from a set-piece secured United's 2-1 victory.

"Mason is an excellent player," Fernandes told BBC's Match of the Day."His quality was never questioned by his teammates.

"At times he faced challenges with goals, assists, and injuries, but when he regains his fitness, he becomes vital."

Mount, who joined United in July 2023, missed 50 matches across competitions due to injuries in his first two seasons at the club. He sustained an injury in August this year, which sidelined him for two more games. However, the English midfielder expressed feeling good after completing a full match.

"The win was huge but also, for me, playing the full match. I haven’t done that for some time," the 26-year-old told TNT.

"I’ve been feeling really well lately, enjoying my football. Moments like this in front of the fans make it all worthwhile."

United’s win, only their second away victory in the past 12 games, moved them up to seventh place in the league table with 21 points, nine behind the leaders Arsenal. Their next match is a home game against West Ham on Thursday.