Benjamin Sesko once again proved to be the matchwinner for Manchester United, leading the team to a 2-1 comeback victory over 10-man Crystal Palace and bolstering their chances for a Champions League return.
After being utilized primarily as a super-sub, Sesko earned his first start under Michael Carrick and scored with a powerful header in the 65th minute, bringing his tally to six goals in his last seven matches. This marked his second winning goal of the week, following his strike in Monday’s 1-0 win against Everton.
His goal came shortly after Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot, which was awarded after a lengthy VAR review determined that Maxence Lacroix had pulled down Matheus Cunha. Lacroix went from hero to zero, having initially put Palace ahead in the fourth minute.
The match served as an unofficial interview for Oliver Glasner, a potential candidate for the United managerial position this summer. His tactics appeared effective, as Palace dominated the first half until Lacroix’s red card shifted momentum back to United.
Meanwhile, Carrick further solidified his own position, with this victory marking his sixth in seven matches, propelling United into third place following Aston Villa’s surprising loss to Wolves on Friday night.
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Crystal Palace remains mired in the lower half of the table, despite their surprising early lead at Old Trafford. Lacroix capitalized on a corner from Brennan Johnson, evading Lenny Yoro to head the ball into the net off the post.
This was the earliest goal United had conceded all season and the first time they had trailed at home in the league since the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on December 15, yet Palace’s early lead did not lead to a sustained threat as they continued to look more dangerous.
Compounding United’s challenges, Luke Shaw, who had started every Premier League match this season, was forced off in the 22nd minute and replaced by Noussair Mazraoui.
Although Sesko started slowly, he finally had a chance in the 38th minute, but Dean Henderson comfortably saved his header. Another opportunity arose for him at the beginning of the second half, but a key block by Jaydee Canvot denied him.
The turning point came when Cunha maneuvered past Lacroix, who then pulled him down in a desperate attempt to prevent a goal. After reviewing the play, VAR confirmed the red card for Lacroix, and Fernandes calmly converted the penalty.
Glasner responded with two substitutions, introducing Evann Guessand and Chadi Riad for Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen. However, it was clear that United were in control.
Just eight minutes after Fernandes equalized, Sesko struck again. Fernandes delivered a well-placed cross from deep on the right, allowing Sesko to get in front of Canvot and head the ball into the bottom corner.
With the man advantage, United continued applying pressure, with Henderson making remarkable saves against close-range attempts from Casemiro and a thunderous shot from substitute Amad Diallo, as Carrick’s squad claimed another well-earned victory.