Man United Beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in EPL Comeback
Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in a thrilling Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, 1 March 2026. Coming from behind, the Red Devils secured a dramatic comeback win, moving into the top three of the EPL table for the first time since May 2023. Goals from Bruno Fernandes’ penalty and Benjamin Sesko’s decisive header sealed the victory after Maxence Lacroix had opened the scoring for Palace.
The match was marked by key moments including Lacroix’s dismissal for denying a goalscoring opportunity and Fernandes’ penalty, which allowed United to level the score. This result strengthened Manchester United’s title push, showing their resilience and ability to turn the tide under head coach Michael Carrick.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Result: Key Moments
Arsenal’s title rivals watched as Man United recovered from an early setback. Palace took the lead in the fourth minute through Maxence Lacroix, only for United to equalise via Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the second half. Benjamin Sesko, starting his first match under Carrick, scored the winner with a powerful header from Fernandes’ cross in the 53rd minute.
The game swung on Lacroix’s red card 10 minutes into the second half after a VAR review confirmed he had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity for Matheus Cunha. Palace manager Oliver Glasner described the decision as harsh but it ultimately changed the course of the match.
Premier League Comeback Win: United’s Impact
The win extended Manchester United’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to 11 matches. Sesko’s header was his fourth goal in five games, highlighting his growing influence in Carrick’s system. This 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace reinforced United’s position in the top three and strengthened their push for European qualification and a late-season title challenge.
Premier League Standings After Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
| Team | PTS | MP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Arsenal | 64 | 29 | 19 | 3 | 7 | 58 | 22 | 36 | W D D W W |
| 2 Man City | 59 | 28 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 57 | 25 | 32 | D W W W W |
| 3 Man Utd | 51 | 28 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 50 | 38 | 12 | W W D W W |
| 4 Aston Villa | 51 | 28 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 38 | 30 | 8 | L D W D L |
| 5 Liverpool | 48 | 28 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 47 | 37 | 10 | W L W W W |
| 6 Chelsea | 45 | 28 | 12 | 7 | 9 | 49 | 33 | 16 | W W D D L |
| 7 Brentford | 43 | 28 | 13 | 11 | 4 | 44 | 40 | 4 | W W D L W |
| 8 Everton | 40 | 28 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 32 | 33 | -1 | D W L L W |
| 14 Crystal Palace | 35 | 28 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 30 | 34 | -4 | D W L W L |
Bruno Fernandes Penalty Impact
Bruno Fernandes’ penalty was a turning point. His calm finish from the spot not only leveled the game but also boosted United’s morale. The penalty came after a controversial challenge by Lacroix, which was initially unclear but confirmed after a VAR review. Fernandes’ composure under pressure demonstrated why he remains one of United’s key players in decisive moments.
Benjamin Sesko Decisive Goal Seals Victory
Benjamin Sesko scored the winner in the 53rd minute with a precise header from Fernandes’ cross. It was Sesko’s fourth goal in five matches and underscored his growing importance in Michael Carrick’s squad. Sesko’s contribution highlights United’s attacking depth, proving they can rely on multiple goal threats to secure points in tight Premier League contests.
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Man United Top-Three Title Push
This win keeps Manchester United firmly in the race for the top three and potentially a late-season title push. Their resilience against a 10-man Crystal Palace shows the mental strength and tactical flexibility of Carrick’s side. The Red Devils now look forward to their next Premier League fixture against Brighton, hoping to maintain momentum in the race for Champions League qualification.
Mainstream media references.
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Manchester United 2–1 Crystal Palace: Match report — Sky Sports – Sky Sports provides a detailed match report, including Sesko’s winner, Fernandes’ penalty and Lacroix’s red card.
(skysports.com) -
Man Utd comeback beats 10‑man Palace — BBC Sport – BBC Sport covers Manchester United’s comeback victory at Old Trafford and how the win moved United up the Premier League table.
(bbc.com/sport/football)
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