Manchester United were awarded a penalty and red card in their comeback win against Crystal Palace after VAR reviewed Maxence Lacroix's foul on Matheus Cunha in the box
17:05, 01 Mar 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 1: Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace fouls Matheus Cunha of Manchester United to give away a penalty during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images)
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Matheus Cunha was fouled by Maxence Lacroix(Image: Molly Darlington/Copa, Getty Images)
Manchester United were handed a lifeline in their Premier League clash on Sunday courtesy of a penalty and red card against Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick's team found themselves behind early at Old Trafford when Maxence Lacroix's curling header beat Senne Lammens. The remainder of the opening period saw United thwarted by the Eagles, but they were offered an opportunity to seize command of the match in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes' threaded pass set Matheus Cunha up for an attempt on target, only for Lacroix to drag the Brazilian down inside the area. Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the penalty spot. Moments afterwards, he was instructed to consult the pitchside VAR monitor before announcing that the Palace defender would be sent off.
Crystal Palace's French defender #05 Maxence Lacroix (L) fouls Manchester United's Brazilian striker #10 Matheus Cunha, conceeding a penalty and is then sent off during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Cunha was pulled down by Lacroix to spark United's comeback(Image: DARREN STAPLES, AFP via Getty Images)
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"After review, Crystal Palace number 5 commits a clear holding offence which denies a clear, obvious goal scoring opportunity," Kavanagh said. "Final decision is penalty and red card." Due to Lacroix not attempting to play the ball, the decision was more than a yellow card offence.
Fernandes converted the spot-kick to level the scores. Benjamin Sesko then fired United ahead from Fernandes' excellent delivery to continue his remarkable goalscoring run and seal the comeback for United.
Lacroix's significant impact on proceedings came despite uncertainty over his availability to feature for Palace, following his goalscoring comeback from injury during their UEFA Conference League fixture on Thursday evening.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Referee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace following a foul on Matheus Cunha of Manchester United leading to a penalty being awarded during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Referee Chris Kavanagh sent Lacroix off after consulting VAR(Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)
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Whilst the Eagles were engaged in European competition, United sought to capitalise on having additional time to prepare for the Premier League encounter.
With the numerical superiority, along with the extra recovery period, United managed to close out the match to extend their remarkable streak under Michael Carrick's guidance. The victory marks the side's sixth win in seven fixtures since the caretaker boss assumed control.
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Following Aston Villa's defeat against Wolves on Friday evening, the three points meant United climbed above the Midlands outfit on goal difference to secure third position in the Premier League standings.
United won't have an extended wait until their next fixture arrives, with the team returning to action on Wednesday when they make the journey to St James' Park to face Newcastle United.