Manchester United came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, capitalising on a second-half red card to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches and climb into third place in the Premier League with 51 points.
Fast Start for Palace
The visitors stunned the home crowd inside four minutes when Maxence Lacroix rose highest to power home a header from a corner, exposing United’s sluggish start.
United suffered another setback in the 24th minute when Luke Shaw was forced off following a challenge by Daniel Muñoz. Noussair Mazraoui replaced the injured left-back as the hosts struggled to find early rhythm.
Palace, marshalled by captain Dean Henderson in goal, defended resolutely and carried a 1-0 lead into halftime despite United edging possession and expected goals (0.34 to 0.19).
Turning Point: Lacroix Sent Off
The decisive moment arrived just before the hour mark. Lacroix was shown a straight red card after VAR review for denying Matheus Cunha a clear goalscoring opportunity inside the box.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 57th minute to level the score at 1-1.
With Palace reduced to 10 men, United increased the pressure. Fernandes turned provider in the 65th minute, delivering a precise cross that Benjamin Šeško met with a thunderous header to complete the comeback.
United Hold Firm
Henderson kept Palace in contention with several sharp saves, but United managed the closing stages professionally, seeing out stoppage time to secure all three points.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United dominated the second half with 55% possession and a sustained attacking presence, ultimately outshooting Palace as the numerical advantage took its toll.
Lineups
Manchester United:
Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw (Mazraoui 24′); Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo (Zirkzee 85′), Fernandes (c), Cunha; Šeško (Amad 75′).
Crystal Palace:
Henderson (c); Canvot, Lacroix, Mitchell, Muñoz, Richards; Kamada (Pino 85′), Wharton (Hughes 68′); Johnson (Guessand 58′), Sarr; Strand Larsen (Riad 58′).
Head-to-Head Edge
The result further strengthens United’s historical dominance in the fixture, with 43 wins compared to Palace’s 13 in 70 meetings.
For Palace, the defeat highlights the fine margins in the Premier League — a promising start undone by one pivotal decision. For United, the comeback reinforces their growing momentum as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.
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