Manchester United secured yet another three Premier League points as goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško secured a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Carrick made one change as Benjamin Šeško replaced Amad in the front line as Manchester United welcomed Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with a chance to head third in the Premier League table.
The tie started with Crystal Palace on the front foot, and it just took minutes for Maxence Lacroix to open the scoring for the visitors from a corner. To compound matters for United, Luke Shaw had to come off through injury after 25 minutes, with Noussair Mazraoui replacing him at left-back.
While United grew into the game before half-time, nothing came of it. In the second 45 minutes, they started much better, and with Mathues Cunha drawing a foul from Lacroix, the defender was also sent off, and Bruno Fernandes dispatched the resulting penalty to level the score.
Then, with United having all the momentum, Fernandes delivered an exquisite ball to Šeško to secure yet another goal for the Reds, as the Slovenian continues his brilliant form across 2026 and helps his side to rise to third in the league table.
#1 – Šeško’s deserved start showed how United must play
It was not the best first half for Šeško, who had just seven touches in the opening 45 minutes for United, with many of the side’s final balls failing to find their targets.
However, in the second half, especially with Fernandes playing a little bit deeper, the quality of delivery to the striker improved, and it was no surprise to see the striker score his sixth goal since the turn of the year.
Some questioned if Šeško was better off being kept as a bench player, and he played better once Palace were down a player, but he clearly looks comfortable once supplied with chances. It’s how United must continue.
#2 – Amad’s intensity was missed
The theme of the first half was that all of United’s final actions fell below the expected standard. If a final pass was on, it was often wayward, and even when a shot was created, it was either off target or straight at Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. More than anything, it felt as if United missed Amad’s intensity.
While the Ivorian is yet to score under Carrick, his ability to hold width and provide energy is very underrated, and may have been the better pick over Mbeumo on the right flank. Ultimately, the penalty and red card changed the game, but it may be worth considering.
Amad then joined the play with 15 minutes to play and played a big role in helping United secure their lead, and was unfortunately not to score with a beautiful effort toward the end of the tie.
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#3 – Yoro’s performance was mixed
Leny Yoro has been rightly praised for his good displays against West Ham and Everton of late, but back at Old Trafford, the Frenchman had a shaky first half against the visitors, being dominated in physical battles on a couple of occasions.
The beginning of the second half saw him offered a break with United on the attack, and, admittedly, he played well when Palace were on the attack, trying to nick a last-minute point.
However, it may be worth seeing if Ayden Heaven can play against Newcastle if LIsandor Martínez is not available, considering the latter’s left-footed nature and great form prior to Maguire’s return.
#4 – Forcing your own luck is a good thing
It is easy to argue that United were lucky to secure an early penalty to get them back in the game, as well as Palace’s red card, but it was the way they started the second half with much-needed intensity that forced the situation.
Read More: Player Ratings: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace (Premier League)
In the past, under Rúben Amorim, United have felt they lacked enough fight. If they started poorly, they would continue like so unless a moment of magic was produced.
However, under Carrick, United have had fight and a level of resistance, forcing their own luck and consistently producing fantastic moments as they continue to rise in the table.
#5 – United in full Champions League control
The win on Sunday afternoon has now seen United rise to third in the Premier League table, overtaking Aston Villa due to their superior goal difference and gaining full control of the race for Champions League places.
When Carrick took over, United were 11 points off Unai Emery’s men, and their rise in form has come at a perfect time.
Coming back from 1-0 down early on against Palace will give United even more confidence heading into the remaining gameweeks of the season, with a visit to St. James’ Park next up.
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