Manchester United Climb to Third Place After Comeback Victory Over Ten-Man Crystal Palace

2026-03-01 community

Manchester, 1 March 2026
Manchester United’s remarkable turnaround saw them overcome an early deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1, propelling them to third place in the Premier League for the first time since May 2023. The match pivoted when Maxence Lacroix, who had given Palace the lead in the fourth minute, was sent off after VAR review for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty before Benjamin Sesko headed home the winner, extending Michael Carrick’s impressive unbeaten streak as manager to eleven games and keeping United firmly in contention for European qualification.

Early Palace Lead Sets Stage for Drama

The afternoon began poorly for United as Maxence Lacroix capitalised on sloppy defending from Leny Yoro to give Palace the lead just four minutes into the match [1][2][3]. The French defender peeled away unmarked to prod home a header from a Brennan Johnson corner kick, sending the visiting supporters into raptures [4]. This early strike marked United’s first time trailing at home in the league since their dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on 15 December 2025 [2], highlighting how effectively Palace had disrupted the hosts’ recent momentum.

VAR Decision Changes Everything

The match’s complexion changed dramatically in the 56th minute when referee Tony Harrington awarded United a penalty after VAR review [2][3]. Lacroix was adjudged to have pulled down Matheus Cunha in the penalty area, a decision that also resulted in a red card for the Palace defender for denying a goalscoring opportunity [1][2][5]. The sending-off proved particularly controversial, with Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressing his frustration: ‘It’s a very harsh red card, it’s usually where the first contact is that where the foul is, and it definitely starts outside the box. Maybe it’s the Old Trafford bonus why the referee decided it was a penalty and red card’ [5].

Sesko Seals Dramatic Turnaround

The winning goal arrived in the 65th minute through Benjamin Sesko, who rose magnificently to head home a sensational cross from Fernandes [1][2][4]. This strike represented Sesko’s fourth goal in five games, underlining his growing importance to United’s attacking play [5]. The Slovenian striker had previously found the net in United’s 1-0 victory against Everton on 23 February, demonstrating his consistency in front of goal during this crucial period of the season [2].

Carrick’s Unbeaten Run Continues

This victory extends Michael Carrick’s remarkable unbeaten start as United manager to eleven games, with the former England midfielder securing his sixth win in seven matches [1][2]. The result moves United to third place in the Premier League table for the first time since May 2023, whilst Palace drop to 15th position [5][7]. Carrick’s 23 points from nine games equals Ange Postecoglou’s record at Tottenham, highlighting the impressive transformation he has overseen [1].

Bronnen

Premier League Manchester United