Manchester United were awarded a first‑half penalty against Crystal Palace, a decision that ultimately led to Maxence Lacroix being sent off and helped the Reds turn the game around to win
Bruno Fernandes
Gary Lineker has hailed Bruno Fernandes as Man United's player of the season.(Image: Getty Images)
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Gary Lineker felt Maxence Lacroix's red card was on the harsh side, even though he accepted that the challenge on Matheus Cunha met the criteria for a sending off. Manchester United were awarded a penalty after Lacroix hauled down Cunha in the box as the forward latched onto a through‑ball from Bruno Fernandes.
Referee Chris Kavanagh immediately pointed to the spot as VAR assessed whether the challenge was worthy of a red card. VAR determined that the foul denied an obvious goal‑scoring opportunity and advised a dismissal, prompting Kavanagh to review the incident himself on the pitchside monitor.
After watching the replays, he confirmed that the Palace defender would be dismissed. "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."
The decision sparked debate on social media, and Lineker shared his thoughts on The Rest is Football podcast. He said: "I think the penalty, he probably did hold onto to him in the box so I get that. But the red card, I thought was a bit harsh, he's going away from goal.
"Now, had he denied a goal-scoring opportunity, yes, but again, what does that mean? Is it supposed to be a clear goal-scoring opportunity? It was a bit wide; it would have been a tough finish.
"But I didn't think they needed to turn it around, and I think a penalty would have sufficed them with that one."
When asked whether the challenge was a bit soft, Lineker added: "I don't think they would've turned it over, if they hadn't given it, but it was a soft one.
"I don't they could've overturned it, if he taken his arm off before he went in the box but I mean, that's what they give penalties for these days."
Lineker then went on to praise captain Fernandes, who has been a shining light throughout the season despite the team's earlier rocky spell.
"I think he's the player of the season for me so far," the former Leicester City and Tottenham striker said.
Bruno Fernandes, Mazraoui and Cunha
Bruno Fernandes celebrating with his teammates after scoring for Man United(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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"I know they'll probably give it to someone who's going to win something. I mean, I think for me, it's him or Declan Rice if Arsenal go on and manage to clinch the title.
"I suppose the other one, if he came back and started banging all the goals, it might be [Erling] Haaland again but at the moment for me, to do what he's done this season, and he was still a standout player even when they were going through a rotten spell, when they were really struggling.
"I think he's got such a good footballing brain and technique - what a player."
United, who had trailed in the first half before being awarded the penalty, went on to turn the game around to win 2-1 following Lacroix's sending off, with Benjamin Sesko scoring the winner after Fernandes had equalised from the spot. The victory has lifted Michael Carrick's side into third place in the standings, moving them above Aston Villa, who had occupied that spot before their 2-0 defeat at Wolves last Friday.
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