The three points are staying with Manchester United at Old Trafford once again, but it was a journey to get there on Sunday.
The Reds picked up another Premier League win to stay unbeaten under interim boss Michael Carrick, downing Crystal Palace 2-1 after a poor first-half performance and a red card/penalty to get going in the second. Carrick’s team finally woke up after about half an hour of play, and his decision to start Benjamin Sesko for the first time since taking charge eventually paid off
with a match-winning goal.
Carrick made just the one change, opting to bench Amad and move Mbeumo to the right wing. Leny Yoro remained in the team with Lisandro Martinez still out injured, and would be at fault for the opening goal inside the first few minutes. He was tasked with marking Palace center back Maxence Lacroix and got lost from his man too easily, leaving Lacroix open to head the ball into the far post with Senne Lammens watching helplessly.
The possession and game flow went United’s way after that, but there was very little final third production to show for it. The Reds looked a bit awkward attacking the Stretford End in the first half and didn’t get a look at goal until the 31st minute. Harry Maguire had a header down toward goal on a corner kick, which Ismaila Sarr got a foot to, and Sesko saw a headed chance saved after some positive build up play in the 38th minute.
United kept building into the second half, but rather than being rewarded with a goal they were rewarded with good fortune as Lacroix again stepped into the spotlight. He pulled down Matheus Cunha from behind as the Brazilian forward entered the box, which was ruled a penalty by Chris Kavanagh and eventually a straight red card after a VAR review for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up and delivered as usual from the penalty spot to equalize, and just a few minutes later he sent a cross perfectly onto the head of Sesko for 2-1.
Palace had some opportunities as the match wore on, but the result never felt under threat. It was not without a toll on the day, though. Luke Shaw went down injured after a heavy challenge with studs going into the top of his foot. He would limp off to the dressing room with Noussair Mazraoui coming on to replace, and the left side of the attack never really recovered.
United are back on the road this week to take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
