The Red Devils are flying high!: Manchester United overturn deficit against Crystal Palace to move up to third in the points table

Bruno Fernandes picked up yet another MOTM against Crystal Palace. (Image credits – Heute; licence details).

Michael Carrick led Manchester United to climb up to third place in the Premier League table, fighting back against 10-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Benjamin Sesko became the hero for the home side yet again as he bagged the decisive goal that turned out to be the difference between the two sides.

Palace defender Lacroix thumped in a header from a set piece to put the visitors ahead after just four minutes on the clock. Glasner’s men defended brilliantly for the remainder of the half, and United looked out of ideas. Their best chance in the first half came when Casemiro’s header nudged past the post.

Lacroix soon turned from hero to villain for Palace as he took down Matheus Cunha inside the box, and United were awarded a penalty. Skipper Bruno Fernandes made no mistake and equalised for the Red Devils in the 57th minute. Fernandes provided a sensational assist to Sesko just eight minutes later.

Sesko, who had bagged the winner against Everton last week, scored the winner yet again, proving himself as one of the most important players under Michael Carrick. It was all Manchester United in the second half, and they could've scored more goals had Dean Henderson not pulled off some sensational saves.

Lacroix’s day went from bad to worse as he was sent off, becoming the only visiting player at Old Trafford to score and get sent off in a Premier League game after Michael Owen in 1998. Following his dismissal, Palace were completely blunt and had to sit back deep to defend against a relentless Man Utd attack.

United finished the day with a completely dominating performance with 20 shots, securing an xG of 2.05 to Palace’s 0.38 xG from just 8 shots. The Red Devils have prevented a loss after trailing behind in their previous five Premier League games, and this is also their longest unbeaten run since 2021.

Michael Carrick heaps praises on the inform Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick revealed that Benjamin Sesko has cemented his place in the starting lineup, and he had no doubts regarding starting him against Crystal Palace. The Slovenian no. 9 had not made it into the playing XI in Carrick’s previous games, but his winner against Everton gave him the nod against the Eagles.

Sesko couldn't manage to do much due to lack of service in the first half, but in the second half, he headed home a brilliant pass from Fernandes to secure a huge three points for United to take them up to third place in the table. Following the game, Carrick heaped praises on Sesko, revealing his pleasure of having a player like him in the squad.

"Starting Sesko is not a gamble; it wasn't that big of a decision,” said Carrick. (sic)

He further added, “Benjamin is in a good place, and he has had a major impact in recent weeks. He's learning what it feels like to play here, and to score the winner today is fantastic. We are here to help, and I'm sure that will continue. He is willing to do whatever that is.” (sic)

Sesko has bagged nine goals this season in 28 appearances, and six of them have come in the new year. The arrival of Carrick has completely changed his performances, and he looks a lot more confident now than he did under Ruben Amorim.

Carrick also praised the skipper, Bruno Fernandes, following the game, who turned the game for Manchester United.

“He takes responsibility. Dean Henderson has saved many penalties, so it was a good duel,” said Carrick. (sic)

He further added, “Fernandes always steps up; he would never do anything else. It was big with the red card and the penalty.” (sic)