Manchester United fought back from an early setback to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday, climbing into third place in the Premier League table for the first time since May 2023.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was the catalyst, converting a second-half penalty before delivering the decisive free kick that Benjamin Sesko powered home to complete the turnaround against 10-man Palace. The result extended interim manager Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge in mid-January. United now have 51 points from 28 games, while Palace remain 14th on 35.
United have not lost since the January 5 departure of Ruben Amorim, winning six of their last seven league fixtures to reignite their top-four push.
Palace stun United early
The visitors made the brighter start and stunned Old Trafford inside four minutes. Maxence Lacroix rose highest at a corner, shrugging off Leny Yoro to head home — the earliest goal United have conceded all season. Palace, under Oliver Glasner, controlled the opening half-hour as United struggled for rhythm. Daniel Munoz nearly doubled the advantage after latching onto a through ball from Ismaila Sarr, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept the hosts alive.
United gradually grew into the contest. Sesko forced a sharp save from Dean Henderson with a header, and Fernandes saw a free kick tipped over as the home side began to build pressure before halftime.
Fernandes takes charge
The turning point arrived in the 57th minute.
After Matheus Cunha was pulled down inside the box by Lacroix, Fernandes stepped up and coolly sent Henderson the wrong way from the spot. Following a lengthy VAR review, Lacroix was shown a red card, leaving Palace a man down.
United seized the momentum.
Eight minutes later, Fernandes delivered a curling free kick into the area and Sesko met it with a towering header to put the hosts ahead. Carrick’s side continued to press for a third. Casemiro forced a diving stop with a fierce volley, while substitute Amad Diallo tested Henderson from range. Joshua Zirkzee saw efforts blocked, and Kobbie Mainoo fired narrowly wide.
Palace pressed late, but United held firm.
“It feels like a big result. We were behind and had to show character,” Fernandes said. “We have to keep pushing — there are still many games to go.” For United, it was another step forward under Carrick — resilience, momentum, and a long-awaited return to the Premier League’s top three.
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