Player Ratings: Bruno Fernandes shines again as Man United beat Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace: Player Ratings and Talking Points from Old Trafford

Manchester United edged past Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford in a match that swung on fine margins, big decisions and one moment of indiscipline that changed everything.

Palace stunned the home crowd inside four minutes. Maxence Lacroix rose highest to head past Senne Lammens, Brennan Johnson supplying the assist, and suddenly Manchester United were chasing the game. It was the earliest goal they had conceded all season and it exposed a fragility that has not entirely disappeared.

For much of the first half, Crystal Palace looked organised and purposeful. Adam Wharton dictated tempo in midfield, while Tyrick Mitchell and Ismaila Sarr carried threat on the flanks. United had possession but lacked incision, and there was a sense of anxiety around Old Trafford despite their recent surge up the table.

Penalty Drama Shifts Momentum

The contest turned in the 56th minute. Lacroix, already on the scoresheet, tangled with Matheus Cunha as the forward drove towards goal. The initial contact began outside the box, but it continued inside. Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty and dismissed the Palace defender for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Bruno Fernandes did the rest. He stepped up in the 57th minute and calmly sent Dean Henderson the wrong way. Old Trafford exhaled.

Eight minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Fernandes delivered with precision and Benjamin Sesko powered home a header for 2-1. It was his third goal in as many games, and his seventh in eight matches, a return that underlines his growing influence in this Manchester United side.

Photo: IMAGO

Palace, reduced to ten men, battled gamely. Henderson produced an outstanding reaction save from Casemiro and later denied substitute Amad Diallo to keep the scoreline respectable. Yet the momentum had shifted decisively.

Manchester United Rise, Crystal Palace Reflect

This victory lifts Manchester United into third place, above Aston Villa on goal difference. It marks their highest position since the 2023 campaign and extends an impressive run of six wins and a draw in seven matches.

There were concerns, Luke Shaw departed early with injury, and some supporters voiced frustration at minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. On the pitch, however, the trajectory remains upward. Fernandes orchestrated proceedings with authority, Kobbie Mainoo showed maturity beyond his years, and Sesko offered the physical presence that has often been missing.

For Crystal Palace, the dismissal proved decisive. Until that point, Oliver Glasner’s side were disciplined and dangerous. They remain 14th, comfortably clear of trouble, but will rue a moment that altered the complexion of the afternoon.

In the end, this was a result built on resilience and ruthlessness. Manchester United found solutions. Crystal Palace found frustration.

Player Ratings

Manchester United Player Ratings

Senne Lammens 6Diogo Dalot 6Leny Yoro 6Harry Maguire 7Luke Shaw 6Casemiro 6Kobbie Mainoo 7Bruno Fernandes 9Bryan Mbeumo 7Matheus Cunha 6Benjamin Sesko 7

Crystal Palace Player Ratings

Dean Henderson 7Chris Richards 7Maxence Lacroix 5Jaydee Canvot 6Daniel Munoz 5Adam Wharton 5Daichi Kamada 6Tyrick Mitchell 7Ismaila Sarr 6Brennan Johnson 4Jorgen Strand Larsen 5