Manchester United 2–1 Crystal Palace: Sesko Fires Red Devils into Third Place

Sesko to the Rescue Again as Manchester United Beat 10-Man Crystal Palace

Manchester United climbed into third place in the Premier League after coming from behind to beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2–1 at Old Trafford, extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches and making it six wins in seven for Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils finally broke their recent home struggles against Palace, with the Eagles having recorded more wins at Old Trafford (4) than any other visiting side since the 2019/20 season.

However, United got off to the worst possible start.

Oliver Glasner’s side began brightly and were rewarded inside four minutes.

Brennan Johnson floated in an inviting corner towards the far post, where Maxence Lacroix rose unmarked to guide a header into the bottom corner off the post, leaving Senne Lammens rooted.

It was Lacroix’s second goal in three days and gave Palace an early advantage.

United looked startled and sluggish, while Palace continued to threaten. Ismaïla Sarr almost doubled the lead five minutes later, but his effort was straight at Lammens.

Carrick’s men struggled for rhythm in the first half-hour, managing just one shot. They appeared off the pace both in and out of possession.

Chances eventually came as United grew into the contest. Harry Maguire and Benjamin Šeško both headed over without troubling Dean Henderson. Bruno Fernandes forced a fine save from a free-kick, and Casemiro went closest, directing a header just wide.

Despite improved pressure, United went into half-time trailing 1–0.

United emerged strongly after the restart.

Ten minutes into the second half, the game shifted dramatically. A through ball found Matheus Cunha, who cleverly deceived Lacroix before being pulled down inside the box. Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty, and following a VAR review, Lacroix was shown a straight red card.

Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted, sending Henderson the wrong way to level the score.

Fernandes nearly added a second moments later with a curling long-range effort that drifted wide.

Then came the decisive moment.

Just minutes after Fernandes’ near miss, the United captain delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. Benjamin Šeško rose highest, powering a header down into the net. The pace beat Henderson and gave United a 2–1 lead.

It was Šeško’s sixth goal in seven league matches and his eighth in all competitions once again proving decisive.

United dominated proceedings from that point. Casemiro had another opportunity, but Henderson denied him.

Fatigue showed in Palace’s ranks following a congested fixture schedule and ongoing injury issues. Down to 10 men, they struggled to mount a response.

United pressed for a third but were unable to convert further chances. It did not matter.

Carrick’s side secured a sixth win in seven, extended their unbeaten run, and climbed into third place edging Aston Villa on goal difference.

Crystal Palace drop to 14th, though they remain 10 points clear of the relegation zone as attention shifts to their Europa Conference League campaign.

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes