With Manchester United having limited games this season due to their lack of European football and exit from domestic cups at the first time of asking, a clash at Old Trafford now becomes a welcome boost, and with 2 tricky clashes to come this week against Palace and Newcastle, Carrick will be pleased his side escaped from the first clash with all 3 points despite a poor start and arguably underwhelming first half. With the Palace early opener, the red card for their goal-scorer Lacroix gave United a way back into the game and once again Sesko proved to be the difference maker, with his goals putting his team over the line for another victory.

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Teams

Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw (Mazraoui 24′), Maguire (Heaven 85′), Yoro, Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Cunha, Fernandes, Mbeumo (Zirkzee 86′), Sesko (Amad 75′)

Subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Moorhouse, Ugarte, Fletcher

Crystal Palace: Henderson, Canvot, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell, Kamada (Pino 85′), Wharton (Hughes 68′), Munoz, Johnson (Riad 58′), Sarr, Strand Larsen (Geussand 58′)

Subs: Benitez, Sosa, Uche, Devenny, Clyne

Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

Manchester United came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, continuing their strong run under Michael Carrick. The visitors stunned the home crowd early on, taking the lead inside four minutes when Maxence Lacroix rose to meet a corner and headed in via the post. It was a sluggish start from United, who struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages, while Palace looked sharper and more purposeful in possession.

Palace’s early dominance continued through much of the first half, with United lacking rhythm and penetration despite flashes from Bruno Fernandes. The game’s turning point arrived shortly after the interval in a dramatic sequence involving Lacroix. Having earlier given Palace the lead, the defender was adjudged to have fouled Matheus Cunha following a VAR review, with the contact carrying into the penalty area. Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot and produced a red card, reducing Palace to ten men and shifting the momentum decisively.

Fernandes stepped up to convert the penalty in the 57th minute, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way to level the score. With the numerical advantage, United quickly turned the screw, and just eight minutes later they completed the turnaround. Fernandes was again the architect, delivering a precise cross that Benjamin Šeško met with a powerful header to make it 2–1. It marked another decisive contribution from the in-form forward, who continued his impressive scoring streak with yet another match-winning goal.

From there, United controlled proceedings, probing for a third while Palace were forced to defend deep and rely on Henderson’s saves to stay in the contest. Despite their bright start, the visitors could not recover from the red card, and the hosts saw the game out with relative comfort. The result extended United’s excellent run of form and reinforced their push towards the top end of the table, while Palace were left to rue a pivotal moment that turned a promising performance into defeat.

Talking Points

The first major talking point has to be the slight good fortune United found themselves benefiting from in the 56th minute with Lacriox sent off and a penalty awarded due to his foul on Cunha. While the foul is a little harsh, the rules would agree with the decision, and while it’s a decision that Palace fans will rue, United used this as a much needed spark to get back into the game after a really poor first half where the players seemed sluggish despite having no game in over a week. United have had luck go for and against them this season, and thankfully they didn’t waste this golden opportunity as they snatched victory in this clash.

Benjamin Sesko has once again proved himself to be the difference maker, this time from the start as his previous super-sub appearances have pushed him into the starting XI for this clash. His goals in 2026 include a brace against Burnley which earned a point, a consolation goal against Brighton in the FA Cup which did spark United to push to attempt a comeback, winners against Fulham and Everton in the league, plus another late goal which earned a point against West Ham, and now his 7th goal for the year brings another 3 points as he makes the difference. While the first half of the season wasn’t living up to the standards, he is proving his worth already for this run-in period.

Finally, Bruno Fernandes has once again been pivotal in a victory, with his performances being hugely underrated for the season given United’s patchy form. With a goal from the spot and the assist for Sesko’s winner, Bruno Fernandes is once again proving his invaluable worth for Manchester United, and could even force his way into a player of the season conversation should he get close to the Premier League assist record.