Manchester United climbed to third in the Premier League table on Sunday, securing a gritty 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Despite a sluggish start and falling behind early, Michael Carrick’s side exploited a second-half red card to leapfrog Aston Villa and strengthen their Champions League credentials.
The match began in nightmare fashion for the Red Devils as Maxence Lacroix headed Palace in front after just four minutes. United struggled for rhythm until the game’s turning point 10 minutes after the break: Lacroix was sent off for a foul on Matheus Cunha, allowing Bruno Fernandes to level from the spot. The captain then turned provider, crossing for the red-hot Benjamin Sesko to head home the winner—his sixth goal in seven games.
Manchester United Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Senne Lammens (6/10): Could do little about the opener but made a vital save against Sarr to keep United in it.
Diogo Dalot (3/10): A day to forget. Poor passing and a booking made for a clumsy performance.
Leny Yoro (5/10): Caught sleeping for the Palace goal but recovered his composure as the game progressed.
Harry Maguire (7/10): A solid shift. He neutralized the physical threat of Strand Larsen and intercepted key crosses.
Luke Shaw (4/10): Had a tough time against Munoz before his afternoon was cut short by injury.
Midfield
Casemiro (7/10): Controlled the tempo well and remained a constant threat during United’s set-pieces.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10): Unusually quiet and lacked his trademark creative spark until the opposition went a man down.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10) – MAN OF THE MATCH: The heartbeat of the team. He showed nerves of steel for the penalty and elite vision for the winning assist.
Attack
Matheus Cunha (8/10): United’s most dangerous runner. His persistence eventually forced the penalty and the red card that changed the game.
Benjamin Sesko (6/10): Though anonymous for large parts, the Slovenian proved why he’s one of Europe’s most clinical young strikers with a perfectly timed headed winner.
Bryan Mbeumo (5/10): Struggled to find his rhythm after being moved from a central role to the wing.
