Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026, with Benjamin Šeško scoring the decisive goal for the second straight match. The win lifted Manchester United into third place in the Premier League under Michael Carrick.
Manchester United now sit on 51 points, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference. Crystal Palace remain 14th, holding a 10-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Manchester United Stunned by Early Maxence Lacroix Goal
Manchester United fell behind inside four minutes. From Palace’s first corner, Maxence Lacroix rose above Leny Yoro and directed Brennan Johnson’s delivery into the far corner to make it 1-0.
Old Trafford went quiet. Palace nearly doubled their lead in the 12th minute when Ismaila Sarr found space after a sharp passing move, but his shot was straight at Senne Lammens.
Manchester United struggled to build momentum in the opening half. Harry Maguire almost turned the ball into his own net with a deflected header while tracking back. At the other end, Dean Henderson denied Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro headed wide as the hosts pushed for a response.
Luke Shaw left the match in the first half with a foot injury, forcing a defensive adjustment. Despite increased possession, Manchester United went into the break trailing 1-0.
Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško Turn the Match
The turning point came in the 56th minute. Lacroix, who had given Palace the lead, pulled back Matheus Cunha just inside the area as the forward broke through on goal.
After a VAR review, the referee showed Lacroix a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and converted the penalty in the 57th minute to level the score at 1-1.
With a one-man advantage, Manchester United applied sustained pressure. The breakthrough followed eight minutes later. Fernandes delivered a precise cross into the box, and Šeško met it with a powerful downward header into the bottom-right corner.
The goal was Šeško’s fourth in five matches and followed his match-winner in the 1-0 victory at Everton earlier in the week.
Manchester United Close Out Win Under Michael Carrick
Crystal Palace defended deep but could not prevent Manchester United from creating further chances. Henderson parried a Casemiro volley and later pushed away a drive from Amad Diallo to keep the deficit at one.
Those saves proved academic. Manchester United controlled the final stages, limiting Palace to a few clear openings despite late changes from manager Oliver Glasner.
The victory also marked a notable achievement for Carrick. He became the first Manchester United manager since Frank O’Farrell in 1971 to win his first five home league matches in charge.
Manchester United now prepares for a midweek trip to Newcastle United as they continue their push for a top-four finish. With consistency improving and key players delivering in decisive moments, Carrick’s side remains firmly in control of their Champions League position heading into the final stretch of the season.