Manchester United have extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches in the Premier League after overcoming a one-goal deficit to defeat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-1. Michael Carrick has made history as the first United manager since Frank O’Farrell in 1971 to secure victories in his first five home matches at the helm.
At Old Trafford in 2026, the only unbeaten record in the Premier League was at stake, and it faced a significant challenge just five minutes in when Crystal Palace unexpectedly took the lead.
The opener unfolded in a way that was anything but conventional, as Brennan Johnson delivered a deep corner that allowed Maxence Lacroix to evade his defender and expertly direct a header into the far corner.
It was the first occasion that United had trailed at Old Trafford in the league since mid-December, and with the expectation that the home side would eventually respond strongly, Ismaila Sarr nearly increased the Eagles’ lead when he was thwarted by Senne Lammens after receiving a pass from Daniel Munoz.
Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, this encounter for Palace resembled an audition at Old Trafford, especially considering his strong connections to the managerial position at United, which will be open this summer.
The visitors’ performance in the first half certainly benefited him in that regard, yet United appeared to be slipping back into their early-season difficulties, with numerous poor choices in the area proving to be quite costly.
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It was perhaps not unexpected that their initial significant opportunities arose from set pieces, as Bruno Fernandes first compelled Dean Henderson to make a solid save from a free-kick, before his enticing cross found Casemiro perfectly, whose flicked header narrowly missed the target.
United aimed to begin the second half with more urgency and nearly achieved it perfectly when the ball fortuitously landed for Benjamin Sesko, whose fierce shot was valiantly blocked by Jaydee Canvot.
The match took a dramatic turn just before the 60-minute mark when Lacroix went from being a standout player to a liability by pulling Matheus Cunha down in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded.
His anguish deepened when a rapid VAR review revealed that he had indeed denied a clear scoring chance. After receiving a red card, his spirits plummeted further as Fernandes converted the ensuing penalty.
United quickly regained their momentum, and it’s no surprise where their second goal originated from.
Fernandes orchestrated the play, delivering a stunning cross for Sesko, who skillfully maneuvered between two Palace defenders to nod in his fourth goal in the last five matches.
United could have found the closing moments much more relaxing had Dean Henderson not made remarkable saves against both Casemiro and Amad Diallo. However, with a player advantage, they comfortably secured the win, elevating them to the impressive position of third place.
Palace is now turning its attention to an upcoming London derby against Spurs in the middle of the week.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
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