Manchester United completed a turnaround to go third in the Premier League with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
The set-piece solidity for Man Utd was immediately breached by Crystal Palace, stunning by scoring off a corner through Lacroix to hand the visitors a lead.
There was no immediate response from United as Palace looked fairly comfortable after taking the lead, repelling United with ease to take the lead into half-time.
United did come out in the second half with more purpose and were rewarded with a penalty after Cunha was bundled in the box, also reducing Palace to ten men. Fernandes equalised.
WHO was your Man of the Match as United beat Palace 2-1?🤔
Some great performances today!
Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes (L) congratulates Manchester United's Slovenian striker #30 Benjamin Sesko
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Fernandes turned from scorer to creator soon after, as he crossed for Benjamin Sesko to complete the turnaround and make it 2-1.
That’s how it finished as United used the man-advantage to their benefit and repelled Palace with ease.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United in action during the Premier League 030match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Senne Lammens – 7
Saved from Sarr’s effort and showed good sweeping skills. Helpless for the goal.
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Diogo Dalot – 4
Unforced errors on the ball and weak defensively. A poor game. Somewhat improved second half.
Harry Maguire – 8
A picture of confidence and serenity when Palace were on the ascent, and kept plugging the gaps when United led. He who was needed when United didn’t turn up. Key to victory.
Leny Yoro – 3
Left it too easy for Lacroix for Palace’s opener and some silly fouls afterwards showed he was feeling the pressure.
Luke Shaw – 3
Was having a poor game before coming off in the 22nd minute with an injury that looked serious.
Casemiro – 6.5
Missed a great chance from a set piece to equalise. Okay otherwise.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Struggled to assert himself against Wharton and Kamada. Improved second half against ten men.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Frustrated in the first half but turned it on in the second. Scored his pen with style before assisting Sesko.
WHAT are your INSTANT REACTIONS to Man United beating Crystal Palace?
BIG WIN for United!
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Bryan Mbeumo – 5
Found himself at the end of some good moves but kept fluffing the final ball.
Matheus Cunha – 5
Largely anonymous out wide and not influential when he cut inside. Won the penalty.
Benjamin Sesko – 7
Starved of service in the first half but made Fernandes’ cross count by scoring United’s second.
Substitutes
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Didn’t start well after unexpectedly called into action due to Shaw’s injury. Improved second half.
Amad – 7
Gave United zip and speed in the final third. Tested Henderson with a stinging long-range drive.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Struggled with the pace and physicality after coming on late.
Ayden Heaven – 5
Got booked for a professional foul as Palace attacked on transition.
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