Sesko Header Secures United Comeback Over Ten-Man Palace

Benjamin Sesko marked his first start under interim manager Michael Carrick by heading home the winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford. The Slovenian forward notched his fourth goal in five games with a Bruno Fernandes delivery that completed United’s turnaround.

The game turned in United’s favour early in the second half when Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix was sent off. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially hesitated before pointing to the spot after Lacroix pulled Matheus Cunha as he entered the box; a VAR review then upgraded the decision to a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Fernandes coolly converted the penalty to level the scores.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner called the dismissal “very harsh,” arguing the contact began outside the area and suggesting the Old Trafford atmosphere may have influenced the call. He also noted Palace’s physical toll, saying his side had the disadvantage of playing three days earlier. Glasner added that his team could have defended better on the chance that led to the equaliser, while insisting the overall performance had been acceptable.

Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson defended the officials, describing the incident as a foul and saying Lacroix’s continued contact as Cunha ran inside justified both the penalty and the red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Palace had stunned the hosts with an early lead, Lacroix himself nodding them ahead in the fourth minute, and dominated much of the opening period. United rarely troubled goalkeeper Dean Henderson until the penalty changed the dynamic; reduced to 10 men, Palace were unable to see out the remainder of the match.

With the numerical advantage, United pressed on and sealed the win eight minutes after the equaliser when Sesko met Fernandes’ cross to head home the winner.

The victory extended United’s unbeaten Premier League run to 11 matches and moved them into third place — their highest position since May 2023 — leapfrogging Aston Villa. Crystal Palace slipped to 15th, with Brighton moving above them after beating Nottingham Forest.

Carrick described the result as “a big step,” praising his players’ reaction to going behind and praising Sesko’s recent goalscoring form. “Ben is here to score goals and he has done that lately,” Carrick said, calling the headed winner “a fantastic header.”