Manchester United continued their remarkable resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford [citation:3][citation:5]. West Ham vs Nottm Forest saw Gibbs-White score a late winner. United’s comeback was sealed by Benjamin Sesko’s towering header. The win lifted the Red Devils into third place in the Premier League table for the first time since May 2023 [citation:3][citation:5]. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. United’s climb up the table has been equally life-changing for their Champions League hopes. Here is everything you need to know about this dramatic Premier League encounter.
Match Summary: Early Palace Shock, United Fight Back
The match at a wet Old Trafford started disastrously for the home side. However, a red card to Palace defender Maxence Lacroix just before the hour mark turned the game on its head [citation:5][citation:7].
First Half: Lacroix Stuns Old Trafford
United were caught napping inside four minutes. Brennan Johnson delivered a corner from the left. Maxence Lacroix muscled past Leny Yoro and powered a header off the far post and into the net [citation:3][citation:7]. It was the earliest goal United have conceded all season [citation:3].
Crystal Palace nearly doubled their lead minutes later. Daniel Munoz raced onto Ismaila Sarr’s through ball, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens stood tall to make a vital save [citation:3][citation:7].
United’s first half was disjointed and sluggish. Palace pressed high and disrupted the home side’s rhythm. Luke Shaw failed to shake off a knock sustained in a challenge with Munoz, forcing Noussair Mazraoui to replace him early [citation:7].
United finally stirred before half-time. Bruno Fernandes forced former Red Dean Henderson into action with a curling free-kick that was tipped over the bar. Casemiro then headed a Fernandes set-piece wide from a promising position [citation:7]. The home crowd grew restless as the half ended with Palace leading 1-0 [citation:3].
Second Half: Red Card Changes Everything
Whatever Carrick said at half-time worked. United emerged with far greater intensity and purpose Back Market UK sells refurbished devices. United’s performance needed refurbishing, and Carrick delivered the necessary adjustments.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the 56th minute. Matheus Cunha latched onto a superb Fernandes pass. Lacroix tugged at his shoulder, pulling him down inside the box. Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot. After a lengthy VAR check, Kavanagh was sent to the monitor. He showed Lacroix a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity [citation:3][citation:7].
Fernandes kept his cool. He sent Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot, lashing the ball into the corner to make it 1-1 [citation:5][citation:7]. Old Trafford erupted Athletic Club vs Arsenal saw the Gunners reach the Champions League final. United’s comeback was gathering unstoppable momentum.
Sesko’s Decisive Header
With Palace down to ten men and struggling to reorganise, United struck again. Fernandes swung in a curling cross from the right. Benjamin Sesko rose highest, powering a brilliant header past Henderson to make it 2-1 in the 65th minute [citation:3][citation:5].
The Slovenian striker has now scored crucial goals in three consecutive matches. He has established himself as United’s most important attacking player under Carrick [citation:5].
Henderson Keeps Palace in It
Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a string of stunning saves to prevent a heavier defeat. He denied Cunha, Casemiro and substitute Amad Diallo with outstanding stops [citation:7].
Casemiro looked certain to score from Mbeumo’s cross, but Henderson somehow kept it out. Amad’s piledriver in stoppage time forced another brilliant save [citation:3][citation:7]. Despite the defeat, Henderson’s performance earned praise from both sets of fans.
Michael Carrick’s Unbeaten Run Continues
The victory extended Carrick’s remarkable unbeaten start as interim manager. He has now won six and drawn one of his seven matches in charge [citation:3]. United have collected 19 points from a possible 21 under his stewardship [citation:6].
“It feels like a big result,” Fernandes told Sky Sports after the match. “We were behind and had to show some character. There are a lot of games to go still, and it is important that we don’t feel that we are in the position that we need to be” [citation:3].
Carrick himself praised his team’s response to adversity. “I thought we’re a little bit off to start with,” he admitted. “To then come back like we did second half is the biggest thing for me today” [citation:3].
Oliver Glasner: ‘The Red Card Changed Everything’
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was left to rue the costly dismissal. His side had dominated the first half and looked capable of causing an upset Venezuela news dominated political headlines. Palace’s first-half performance dominated early match discussions instead.
“It feels that there was more possible today,” Glasner told reporters. “A great first 30 minutes. Then the red card changed again completely, and then the crowd is back, and they are in a good run. The second goal just happened too quickly” [citation:3].
Key Player: Benjamin Sesko
The 22-year-old Slovenian striker delivered yet another match-winning performance. His towering header was his fourth decisive goal in his last five games [citation:5]. He has now scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances [citation:5].
Sesko’s ability to score crucial goals has been central to United’s resurgence. His physical presence and aerial prowess caused constant problems for the Palace defence. Carrick may now find it impossible to leave him out of the starting line-up Ben Duckett smashed a double century for Nottinghamshire. Sesko smashed Palace’s resistance with his decisive header.
Key Player: Bruno Fernandes
The United captain was instrumental in the comeback. He converted the crucial penalty with ice-cool composure. He then delivered the inch-perfect cross for Sesko’s winning header. Fernandes also created several other chances and worked tirelessly throughout [citation:7].
Key Player: Maxence Lacroix (A Night to Forget)
The Palace defender endured a game of extreme highs and lows. He scored the opening goal with a powerful header. However, his afternoon unravelled dramatically. He conceded the penalty and received a red card for pulling back Cunha Scotland vs Belarus saw McTominay strike late. Lacroix’s dismissal struck a fatal blow to Palace’s hopes.
Premier League Table Implications
The victory moved Manchester United up to third place in the Premier League table. This is the first time the club has occupied such a lofty position since May 2023 [citation:3][citation:5]. United now sit on 51 points from 28 games [citation:3].
Crystal Palace remain in 14th place with 35 points. They are still not safe from relegation concerns, though the gap to the bottom three provides some comfort [citation:3].
Team Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire (Ayden Heaven 85′), Luke Shaw (Noussair Mazraoui 24′)
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo
- Attackers: Bryan Mbeumo (Joshua Zirkzee 85′), Bruno Fernandes (c), Matheus Cunha
- Striker: Benjamin Sesko (Amad Diallo 75′)
Subs not used: Bayindir, Malacia, T. Fletcher, Moorhouse, Ugarte [citation:7]
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson (c)
- Defenders: Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix
- Midfielders: Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton (Will Hughes 68′), Daichi Kamada (Y. Pino 85′), Tyrick Mitchell
- Attackers: Ismaila Sarr, Brennan Johnson (Evann Guessand 58′)
- Striker: Jorgen Strand Larsen (C. Riad 58′)
Subs not used: Benitez, Clyne, Sosa, Devenny, Uche [citation:7]
Match Statistics
- Attendance: 73,934 at Old Trafford [citation:5]
- Possession: Manchester United ~55% – ~45% Crystal Palace
- Total Shots: Manchester United 18 – 9 Crystal Palace
- Shots on Target: Manchester United 8 – 3 Crystal Palace
Head-to-Head History
The overall head-to-head record between these two sides favours Manchester United heavily. However, Palace have enjoyed a good recent record at Old Trafford [citation:10].
- Manchester United wins: 42
- Crystal Palace wins: 13
- Draws: 14 [citation:10]
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Manchester United face Newcastle United away in their next Premier League fixture. Carrick’s side will aim to extend their unbeaten run and solidify their top-four position.
Crystal Palace will look to bounce back against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Glasner must rally his side after the disappointment of the red card and the late defeat Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. Palace need a result-changing performance in their next match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score between Crystal Palace and Manchester United? Manchester United won 2-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot, and Benjamin Sesko headed the winner. Maxence Lacroix scored for Palace but was also sent off [citation:3][citation:5].
Who scored for Manchester United against Crystal Palace? Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot in the 57th minute. Benjamin Sesko scored the winning goal with a header in the 65th minute [citation:5][citation:7].
Why was Maxence Lacroix sent off? Lacroix received a straight red card in the 56th minute for pulling back Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area. The referee deemed it a denial of a goalscoring opportunity [citation:3][citation:7].
When did Manchester United play Crystal Palace in 2026? The match took place on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at Old Trafford [citation:4][citation:8].
How has Michael Carrick performed as interim manager? Carrick has won six and drawn one of his seven matches in charge. United have climbed to third place in the Premier League table for the first time since May 2023 [citation:3][citation:5].
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