Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has given an insight into the referee's decision against Crystal Palace, which saw Maxence Lacroix sent off and a penalty awarded to the Reds in the 2-1 win
Bruno Fernandes kick started Man United's comeback against Crystal Palace.
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes claims referee Chris Kavanagh told him Maxence Lacroix' foul on Matheus Cunha was a penalty, but VAR were trying to determine whether or not it was a red card offence in the win against Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick's side came from behind after Lacroix had given Oliver Glasner's side the lead after just four minutes.
However, United were handed a lifeline when the French defender pushed Cunha inside the area, with Kavanagh sent to the VAR monitor.
"After review, Crystal Palace number 5 commits a clear holding offence which denies a clear, obvious goal scoring opportunity," Kavanagh announced. "Final decision is penalty and red card."
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fernandes said: "The referee told me straight away that it was a penalty but he was trying to determine if it was a red card. We know that when it is a push or pull and no intention to go for the ball, it is a red card."
The Portuguese international stepped up to convert emphatically from the spot, leaving former Red Dean Henderson with no chance.
"I worked with him, I was with him when he had the spell at Forest," Fernandes said. "He even told me at the end that he wanted to go to the same side as he did last week and save it. Lucky for me, he went to the other side."
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Fernandes then turned provider for Benjamin Sesko to complete the comeback, ensuring United of a huge three points in their quest for Champions League football.
They moved up to third, level on points with Aston Villa but ahead of Unai Emery's side on goal difference and have the advantage of no European football between now and the end of the season.
Villa's surprise defeat to Wolves on Friday night gave Carrick's men a huge opportunity to consolidate their place in the top-four, and they did just that.
"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," Fernandes added. "We need to make as many points as we can."
United are back in action on Wednesday night when they travel to St. James' Park to take on Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.
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