Manchester United came from behind to defeat 10-man Crystal Palace and climb to third in the Premier League, with the turning point arriving after a highly debated penalty and red card call.
Palace had looked set to continue their strong recent record at Old Trafford after Maxence Lacroix fired them ahead inside four minutes. The defender later found himself at the centre of controversy when he pulled back Matheus Cunha during the second half.
While the first contact appeared to occur outside the penalty area, Lacroix continued holding the Brazilian as he moved into the box. Cunha went to ground, prompting referee Chris Kavanagh to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay, Kavanagh upheld his decision to award a penalty and dismissed Lacroix, judging that Cunha had been denied a clear scoring opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot in the 57th minute, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way to level the score. United completed the turnaround eight minutes later when Benjamin Sesko met a Fernandes delivery with a powerful header to put the home side in front.
The Slovenian forward has now scored in three consecutive matches and has netted seven times in his last eight appearances, continuing a prolific run of form.
Henderson, facing his former club, produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Casemiro and later kept out substitute Amad Diallo to prevent United from extending their advantage.
The victory means Michael Carrick’s team have recorded six wins and a draw in his seven games at the helm, lifting them above Aston Villa into third place on goal difference. It marks the first time United have reached that position since Erik ten Hag’s debut season in charge back in 2023.
Crystal Palace remain 14th, sitting 10 points above the relegation places. With league safety appearing secure, attention may turn toward a push for Conference League success before manager Oliver Glasner departs at the end of the campaign.
