Benjamin Sesko continued his remarkable scoring form with a decisive header to secure a 2-1 comeback victory for Manchester United against ten-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The win strengthens United's push for a return to the Champions League, lifting them to third place in the Premier League table.
From Super-Sub to Matchwinner
Handed his first start under manager Michael Carrick, Sesko justified his selection with a bullet header in the 65th minute that proved to be the matchwinner. The Slovenian striker has now scored six goals in his last seven appearances, including his second winning goal of the week following his decisive strike in Monday's 1-0 victory at Everton.
Palace's Early Lead and Dramatic Turnaround
Crystal Palace stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead in just the fourth minute. Maxence Lacroix wriggled free of defender Lenny Yoro to head Brennan Johnson's corner back across goal and in off the post. This marked the earliest goal United have conceded this season and the first time they had trailed in a league match at home since December 15.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the second half when Lacroix went from hero to villain. The Palace defender pulled back Matheus Cunha as he spun away, with referee Chris Kavanagh initially hesitating before awarding a penalty after consultation with VAR. Lacroix was shown a red card for the offense, reducing Palace to ten men.
Fernandes Levels Before Sesko Strikes
Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 57th minute, sending goalkeeper Dean Henderson the wrong way to level the score. Just eight minutes later, Sesko put United ahead with his powerful header from a Fernandes cross delivered from deep on the right flank.
United manager Michael Carrick made his case for the permanent position stronger with this sixth win in seven matches since taking over. The victory was particularly significant following Aston Villa's surprise defeat to Wolves on Friday night, allowing United to climb to third place in the standings.
Palace's Resistance and United's Dominance
Despite the early setback, Palace had looked the more dangerous side in the first half, with United suffering another blow when Luke Shaw was forced off with an injury in the 22nd minute. The left-back, who had started every Premier League match this season, was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui.
After Sesko's go-ahead goal, United dominated possession and created numerous chances against the depleted Palace side. Henderson made excellent saves to deny Casemiro from close range and a thunderous strike from substitute Amad Diallo as United comfortably saw out the victory.
Glasner's Job Interview Ends in Defeat
The match had been billed by some as a job interview for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who remains among the bookmakers' favorites for the United managerial position come summer. While Glasner got much right tactically in the first half, Lacroix's red card ultimately tilted the game in United's favor.
Palace remain stuck in the bottom half of the table despite their promising early performance, while United continue their impressive run under Carrick's temporary leadership. The result highlights Sesko's growing importance to the team as they push for Champions League qualification.
