Ogona Anita
Manchester United survived an early scare to come from behind and secure a vital 2-1 victory over 10-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko’s second-half header proved to be the winner after Bruno Fernandes had restored parity from the penalty spot. Palace had taken a shock lead inside four minutes through Maxence Lacroix, but the defender went from hero to villain, seeing red for the foul that allowed United back into the contest.
Early Stunner Silences Stretford End
The afternoon began in nightmare fashion for the hosts. With just four minutes on the clock, Brennan Johnson’s whipped corner found Maxence Lacroix, who rose highest to power a header past Senne Lammens.
United’s frustrations were compounded early on when Luke Shaw was forced off with an injury, replaced by Noussair Mazraoui after just 24 minutes. Despite trailing, United struggled to find their rhythm in a first half where Palace, led by the industrious Adam Wharton, looked comfortable in possession.
VAR Drama Turns the Tide
The complexion of the game shifted entirely ten minutes after the restart. Matheus Cunha was hauled down in the area by Lacroix, prompting a lengthy VAR review. The referee not only upheld the penalty decision but brandished a straight red card to Lacroix, leaving the visitors to defend their lead with a man disadvantage.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up, showing his trademark composure to send Dean Henderson the wrong way and ignite the Old Trafford crowd.
Sesko Completes the Turnaround
With the numerical advantage, United began to dominate. In the 65th minute, the pressure told. Fernandes turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross that Benjamin Sesko met with a thumping header to complete the comeback.
Palace, to their credit, refused to fold. Manager Oliver Glasner introduced Yeremy Pino and Evann Guessand to find an equaliser, and United were forced to defend resolutely during a frantic eight minutes of stoppage time. Young defender Ayden Heaven, on for Harry Maguire, picked up a tactical yellow card to halt a dangerous Palace counter-attack as the hosts clung on.
The result moves United closer to the European spots, while Palace will feel aggrieved that a disciplined performance was undone by a single moment of madness in the box.
