Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 11 matches with a 2-1 comeback against Crystal Palace
- Michael Carrick became the first United manager since Frank O’Farrell in 1971 to win his opening five home fixtures in charge
- Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring for Palace before being sent off, as Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko led United’s turnaround
Match Analysis: Old Trafford Hosts Another Dramatic Turnaround
Manchester United stretched their unbeaten Premier League sequence to 11 games last night, overturning an early deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick’s impressive start continued as he matched a long-standing record, becoming the first United boss since Frank O’Farrell in 1971 to claim victory in his first five home league matches.
United, carrying the league’s only unbeaten record in 2026 into the fixture, found themselves behind after just four minutes. Palace stunned the hosts when Brennan Johnson delivered a deep corner and Maxence Lacroix evaded his marker to direct a precise header into the far corner. This strike marked the first time United had trailed at home in the league since mid-December.
Up the Reds! ❤️🤍🖤
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 1, 2026
Crystal Palace’s Bright Start and Decisive Moment
Palace continued to threaten, with Ismaila Sarr nearly doubling their lead after Daniel Munoz set him up, only for Senne Lammens to produce a crucial save in the United goal. For Palace boss Oliver Glasner, heavily linked with the Old Trafford role set to become available this summer, the impressive first-half showing could only bolster his credentials.
Nonetheless, United struggled to break down the visitors for much of the first period, with frequent missteps around the box limiting their attacking impact. Their best opportunities arrived from set-pieces, as Bruno Fernandes forced Dean Henderson into action from a free-kick before providing the service for Casemiro’s glancing header, which narrowly missed the target.
Turning Point and United’s Second Half Response
After the interval, United pushed for a response, nearly drawing level when Benjamin Sesko’s powerful drive was courageously blocked by Jaydee Canvot. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically around the hour mark when Maxence Lacroix, Palace’s goalscorer, brought down Matheus Cunha in the area. Following a swift VAR review, the defender was found to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and was dismissed. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the ensuing penalty to restore parity.
United’s revival was complete within minutes. Bruno Fernandes delivered a superb cross for Sesko, who powered between two defenders to head home his fourth goal in his last five appearances. The hosts nearly extended their lead, but Dean Henderson kept Palace in contention with fine saves from Casemiro and Amad Diallo. Nonetheless, United managed the remainder of the contest confidently, leveraging their numerical advantage to secure all three points and move up to third place in the table.
Statistical Summary
| Match | Score | Goalscorers | Red Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United v Crystal Palace | 2-1 | Lacroix (4’), Fernandes (57′ pen), Sesko (65′) | Lacroix (Crystal Palace) |
Looking Ahead
Crystal Palace will now prepare for a crucial midweek London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur, aiming to bounce back from this setback.
