Manchester United Secure 2-1 Win Over Crystal Palace As Sesko Nets Decisive Goal After Lacroix Red

Add as a preferred source on Google

Manchester United climbed to third in the Premier League after a 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace, secured by Benjamin Sesko’s decisive header. The result at Old Trafford also preserved Michael Carrick’s unbeaten record across both interim spells and moved United above Aston Villa on goal difference.

Carrick’s impressive run now stands at seven wins and two draws from nine Premier League matches in charge. That return of 23 points matches Ange Postecoglou’s tally as the joint-best haul by any manager after nine games in the competition’s history, underlining United’s strong response in 2026.

The match started badly for United as Crystal Palace struck first after only four minutes. Maxence Lacroix overpowered Leny Yoro at a corner from Brennan Johnson and guided a firm header into the far corner. United then laboured through much of the first half, with Casemiro glancing their best chance narrowly past the bottom-right post.

The contest swung early in the second half when Lacroix misjudged a challenge on Matheus Cunha. The defender got too tight, pulled Cunha down just inside the area, and a penalty was given. VAR then upgraded the punishment, sending Lacroix off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and leaving Palace with 10 players.

Bruno Fernandes levelled from the spot in the 57th minute with a composed finish. Eight minutes later, Fernandes created the winner with a precise cross from deep on the right. Sesko met the delivery with a powerful header into the bottom-right corner, adding to the confidence gained from scoring the winner against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.

With the advantage of an extra player, United controlled the final stages and pushed for a third goal. Casemiro forced one strong save from Dean Henderson, while Amad Diallo also tested the goalkeeper. Palace rarely threatened on the break, and United managed the closing minutes calmly to secure all three points without further scoring.

Manchester United Premier League stats and data debrief

Lacroix’s afternoon shifted from bright to bleak in dramatic fashion. By scoring and then seeing red, Lacroix became only the second visiting player to do both in a Premier League match at Old Trafford, after Michael Owen achieved the same feat for Liverpool in April 1998. Lacroix is also the fourth Crystal Palace player to score and be dismissed in a Premier League game, and the first since Christian Benteke against West Ham in December 2020.

United’s pressure after the dismissal was clear in the numbers. Carrick’s side recorded 20 shots and generated 2.05 expected goals. Palace finished with eight attempts and 0.38 expected goals, reflecting how the match became one-sided once United had a numerical edge. The hosts used that advantage to pin Palace back for long spells.

Sesko’s form is another key trend for United in the Premier League in 2026. Only Brentford forward Igor Thiago, with seven goals, has scored more in the competition this calendar year than Sesko’s six. Sesko had managed just two goals in 15 league appearances before the turn of the year, highlighting a significant upturn in output.

United’s resilience when falling behind has also been notable. The team has avoided defeat in all five Premier League matches in 2026 in which United have trailed, earning two wins and three draws. This is United’s longest unbeaten run in league games after conceding first since a sequence of five straight victories between November 2020 and January 2021.

The result against Crystal Palace strengthened United’s position in the Premier League’s top four race and underlined the influence of Carrick and Sesko in 2026. With a strong record when behind, improved attacking output from Sesko, and Fernandes central to key moments, United entered March with renewed momentum and a solid platform for the rest of the campaign.