Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford, and the win lifted them to third in the Premier League. Benjamin Sesko headed in the winner after the break, keeping his hot streak going under manager Michael Carrick. As a result, United stretched their unbeaten run to 10 games and stayed on track for a Champions League place.
Crystal Palace shocked the crowd almost right away. In the fourth minute, Maxence Lacroix powered in a header from a set-piece, taking advantage of a shaky moment in United’s defense. After that, Oliver Glasner’s side looked sharp and organized, defending with purpose and breaking forward quickly.
Meanwhile, Dean Henderson, facing his former club, made several strong saves to protect the lead before halftime. United held plenty of the ball, but they struggled to turn it into clear chances. In addition, Carrick’s team looked a step slow after midweek action, and Palace made sure the game stayed uncomfortable.
The Moment That Turned the Match – Watch the Highlights
Everything changed 11 minutes into the second half. Lacroix, who had scored the opener, saw a straight red card after Chris Kavanagh reviewed the incident on VAR. The defender was judged to have denied a clear scoring chance when he pulled back Matheus Cunha in the box.
Bruno Fernandes then stepped up and kept his cool. In the 57th minute, the United captain sent Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 1-1, and Old Trafford came alive.
Sesko Finishes the Comeback
United pushed on once they had the equalizer, and Palace struggled to get out. Eight minutes later, Fernandes delivered a dangerous free-kick into the area. Sesko attacked it and drilled a header past Henderson for the 65th-minute winner.
It was another big moment for the Slovenian striker. Making his first start under Carrick after strong cameos, Sesko now has six goals in his last seven appearances, including back-to-back match-winning strikes.
Henderson Keeps Palace Close, but United Hold On
Even with 10 men, Palace didn’t collapse. They stayed compact, fought for second balls, and threatened on counters when they could. At the other end, Henderson produced more top saves to stop United from pulling away.
Still, the visitors couldn’t find an equalizer late on. United managed the closing stages well and protected their lead.
After the match, Carrick pointed to his side’s response, especially because they fell behind for the first time in this unbeaten run.
Match Highlights
- 4′ – Maxence Lacroix heads Crystal Palace into an early lead.
- 56′ – Lacroix sent off for denying a goalscoring chance (VAR check).
- 57′ – Bruno Fernandes scores the penalty, 1-1.
- 65′ – Benjamin Sesko heads in from a Fernandes free-kick, 2-1.
- Late on, Henderson makes more saves, Palace threaten on the break, but no second goal arrives.
Manchester United Team and Key Stats
| Position | Player | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| GK | (Assumed starter) | Kept play moving with tidy passing |
| DEF | Leny Yoro (early mistake mentioned) | Settled down after the opener |
| MID | Bruno Fernandes (c) | Goal (penalty), assist, led the turnaround |
| FWD | Benjamin Sesko | Winning goal (header) |
| Others | Matheus Cunha | Won the penalty |
- Possession: ~62% (stronger after halftime)
- Shots on Target: 8
- Corners: 7
- Fouls: 12
- United moved up to third with the three points.
Crystal Palace Team and Key Stats
| Position | Player | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Dean Henderson | Several big saves at Old Trafford |
| DEF | Maxence Lacroix | Goal (4′), red card (56′) |
| MID | (Various) | Good control and shape in the first half |
| FWD | (Counter attackers) | Limited openings after the red card |
- Possession: ~38%
- Shots on Target: 4
- Corners: 3
- Fouls: 14 (including the penalty incident)
This win adds more weight to Manchester United’s strong run under Michael Carrick. With a tricky schedule ahead, including a midweek trip to Newcastle, they remain right in the top-four race. Crystal Palace will feel they let this one slip, especially after losing Lacroix and their lead in quick succession.
