Manchester United Beat 10-Man Crystal Palace to Move Third in Premier League

Manchester United came from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Old Trafford, despite controversy over a penalty decision and a red card.

Palace took an early lead in the fourth minute when Maxence Lacroix scored, putting the visitors on course for a third consecutive win at Old Trafford.

The turning point came in the second half when Lacroix pulled Matheus Cunha as he moved into the penalty area. Although the initial contact was outside the box, the referee ruled that the foul continued inside. After a VAR review, referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty and sent Lacroix off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty in the 57th minute to level the score. Eight minutes later, Benjamin Šeško headed home Fernandes’ cross to give United the lead. It was Šeško’s third goal in as many matches and his seventh in the last eight games.

Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept Palace in the game with fine saves, denying Casemiro and later stopping a dangerous effort from substitute Amad Diallo.

The win lifts Manchester United to third place in the Premier League on goal difference, moving them above Aston Villa. It is the first time United have reached third place since the 2023 season under former manager Erik ten Hag.

Under current boss Michael Carrick, United have now recorded six wins and one draw from seven matches.

Crystal Palace remain 14th in the table, 10 points above the relegation zone. The club is expected to focus on the Conference League as a potential route to silverware and European qualification before manager Oliver Glasner leaves at the end of the season.