Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty before unleashing a free-kick which Benjamin Sesko nodded home for a 2-1 comeback win over 10-man Crystal Palace, moving the home side into third place in the Premier League standings on Sunday.
Interim boss Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run since his appointment in mid-January stretched to seven games, with his side now on 51 points from 28 games. Palace dropped to 14th place and remained at 35.
United’s form under Carrick since Ruben Amorim’s dismissal on January 5 has ranked third for the first time since May 2023.
However, the home side appeared to rub the sleep from their eyes for much of the first half as Palace struck after four minutes, Maxence Lacroix struggling past Leny Yoro to head in a header from a corner. It was the first goal United have conceded this season.
AS IT HAPPENED: MUN VS CRY HIGHLIGHTS
United improved after the break and in the 57th minute Fernandes equalized from the spot, sending goalkeeper Dean Henderson the wrong way after Matheus Cunha had been dragged down by Lacroix. The defender received a red card after a lengthy VAR check.
Eight minutes later, Sesko completed the turnaround, heading in Fernandes’ free kick.
Oliver Glasner’s Palace dominated the opening 30 minutes, helped by United’s poor passing and pedestrian pace. Daniel Munoz had an early opportunity to make the visitor 2-0 when he met a through ball from Ismaila Sarr, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United finally got a foothold, and Sesko’s header from a Fernandes cross late in the first half forced a save from Henderson in the home side’s best chance to date. The keeper jumped up and shortly afterwards tipped Fernandes’ free kick over the crossbar.
Carrick’s team got off to a much better start in the second half, and even after scoring twice, had numerous chances to extend their lead, including a volley from Casemiro that forced a diving save from Henderson.
Amad Diallo forced another diving save with a long shot in injury time, while fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee had a couple of chances blocked and Kobbie Mainoo unleashed a rocket that sailed just wide of the post.
Palace pressed in the final minutes but United held on to secure the win.
Published on March 1, 2026
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