Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko sealing a vital win that sees the Red Devils climb up to third in the league standings.
Manchester United climbed to third in the Premier League after a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The hosts were forced to show resilience after conceding early and struggling for rhythm early in the first half. A controversial penalty and a red card proved decisive as United turned the contest around after the break.
Palace stunned the home crowd inside four minutes. Maxence Lacroix powered home a header from a Brennan Johnson corner after escaping his marker. It was the earliest goal United had conceded all season and set the tone for a difficult opening spell.
The visitors looked confident and organised as United laboured in possession. Palace pressed aggressively and disrupted United’s buildup play, forcing several misplaced passes. Daniel Munoz nearly doubled the lead but was denied by a smart save from Senne Lammens.
United gradually gained territory before the interval. Casemiro glanced a header wide, while Benjamin Sesko forced a routine save from Dean Henderson late in the half. Despite that improvement, Palace went into the break deservedly ahead.
The match shifted dramatically ten minutes into the second half. Lacroix hauled down Matheus Cunha as the forward broke clear. Although the contact began outside the area, it continued inside, prompting VAR intervention.
Referee Chris Kavanagh upheld the penalty decision and dismissed Lacroix for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted from the spot in the 57th minute, sending Henderson the wrong way to restore parity.
United capitalised on their numerical advantage quickly. Eight minutes after the equaliser, Fernandes delivered a deep cross from the right. Sesko attacked the ball decisively and powered a header into the corner to make it 2-1.
The goal continued a remarkable run for the Slovenia striker. Sesko has now scored in three consecutive matches and has seven goals in his last eight appearances. Palace struggled to regain momentum as United dictated the closing stages.
Fernandes was central to everything United did well. He scored the equaliser, assisted the winner, and constantly stretched Palace’s defensive shape. Sesko finally provided the cutting edge United had lacked in a labored first half.
At the other end, Henderson prevented a heavier defeat with excellent saves from Casemiro and Amad Diallo. United finished with 20 shots and 2.16 expected goals, showing their dominance after the red card.
The win lifts United above Aston Villa into third place on goal difference. Michael Carrick remains unbeaten in the league since taking charge, with six wins and a draw from seven matches. It is the club’s highest league position since May 2023.
United travel to Newcastle on Wednesday night in their next Premier League fixture. Crystal Palace, who sit 14th and remain comfortably clear of relegation trouble, face Tottenham away on Thursday.
