Michael Carrick was pleased with his side’s reaction to going a goal behind as an improved second-half performance against 10-man Crystal Palace saw Manchester United move up to third in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and in-form striker Benjamin Sesko were enough to get the job done for the Red Devils after a poor first-half display left them trailing at the break.
An eight-minute double from United, combined with the dismissal of Eagles goalscorer Maxence Lacroix for pulling back Matheus Cunha in the box, an offence deemed to be denying a goalscoring opportunity, handed the momentum firmly to the home side with over half an hour remaining.
That win for Carrick puts him alongside Ange Postecoglou for the best start after nine games by any manager in Premier League history, earning 23 points from nine matches.
Speaking after the match, Carrick admitted that responding to going behind early on was a new test for his side, who remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League in 2026.
"I am pleased with the victory and the way we reacted after a difficult start to the match, the Man United manager said.
"Credit must be given to Palace, who started the game very well.
"We showed conviction and personality, and we finished the first half strongly.
"Overcoming a goal conceded so early in the match was a new challenge for us."
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