Man United Vs Crystal Palace: Sesko and Fernandes overturn 10-man Palace at Old Trafford
In a match that swung on a VAR intervention and a sending-off, man united vs crystal palace finished 2-1 as Benjamin Sesko's header and a Bruno Fernandes penalty completed a comeback at Old Trafford. The result lifted United up to third and extended Michael Carrick's unbeaten start in charge, while debate over Maxence Lacroix's dismissal continued after the game.
Match facts: scoreline, attendance and the decisive moments
Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford, with an announced attendance of 73, 934. Palace had taken an early lead through Maxence Lacroix’s header from a corner, but the game turned when Lacroix was sent off after a VAR monitor review for pulling Matheus Cunha as he entered the box. Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty and showed Lacroix a red card; Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick by beating Dean Henderson to his left, and Benjamin Sesko headed home from Fernandes’ cross to complete the turnaround.
Controversy over Maxence Lacroix’s red card and the penalty
The referee, Chris Kavanagh, pointed to the spot and issued the red after a monitor review determined Lacroix pulled Matheus Cunha. One account noted the contact started before the 18-yard line but continued into the area; another account said the dismissal was for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after initial hesitation. Palace manager Oliver Glasner complained the penalty should not have been awarded, arguing it started outside the box and calling it down to an "Old Trafford bounce. " He also said, "Maybe it's the Old Trafford bonus why the referee decided it was a penalty and red card. " One write-up called his argument "misguided. "
Benjamin Sesko's impact, substitutions and Michael Carrick's record
Benjamin Sesko celebrated his first start under Michael Carrick by scoring the winner. Coverage noted it was the Slovenian's fourth goal in five games; another summary recorded it as his ninth United goal and his seventh in his past eight appearances. Sesko was replaced by Amad Diallo in the 72nd minute and was serenaded as he left the field. Under Carrick, United have accrued 19 points from 21 and remain unbeaten with Carrick as boss; the side are now up to third on goal difference and are in third for the first time since May 2023.
How Palace opened the game and their tactical approach
Palace required only four minutes to breach United. Brennan Johnson floated a corner in from the left, Leny Yoro lost Lacroix and Lacroix headed across a melee to beat Senne Lammens the goalkeeper's right post. That early goal was the earliest United have conceded under Carrick or this season. Daniel Muñoz later raided down the right and fed Ismaïla Sarr, whose fierce shot was parried by Lammens. Glasner's plan emphasised attacking United along the flanks, with Matheus Cunha on the left and Bryan Mbeumo on the right helping their full-backs, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot. The frontline had been rejigged because of Sesko's recent form, with Sesko in the XI at No 9 in place of Amad Diallo; Carrick said of the selection, "It wasn't that big a decision. Benjamin is in a good place and he has had a major impact in recent weeks. " Palace tried "everything to get the equaliser" and were "in good situations four or five times, " the manager added.
Voices from the game, the crowd and wider Premier League context
A banner in the Stretford End read "MUFC proudly colonised by immigrants" as a riposte to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's earlier assertion that "these shores have been overrun by those from overseas, " an assertion for which the co-owner half-heartedly apologised. Former United striker Dion Dublin, speaking after the match, said: "Well deserved today. Palace were great for 30 minutes in the first half and United were finding it difficult to get a foothold in the game. The sending off makes a huge difference to the game, but you still have to go and win the game and create chances. Bruno, outstanding. Casemiro, outstanding. " A match commentator summed the foul debate simply: "It's a foul. It's a great ball down the side from Fernandes, Cunha gets away from Lacroix who has his hands on top of him. "
