Manchester United came back to beat 10-man Crystal Palace and go third in the Premier League after a controversial penalty and red card decision.
Maxence Lacroix, who had given the visitors the lead in the fourth minute, clutched at Matheus Cunha in the second half, putting Palace on track for a third consecutive victory at Old Trafford.
Lacroix held his ground as the Brazil attacker entered the area, despite the first contact being outside the penalty box.
Referee Chris Kavanagh upheld his first judgment to give a penalty when Cunha went down and was sent to the screen. Lacroix was also sent off since the United forward would have had a chance to score.
Bruno Fernandes equalized the score in the 57th minute with a penalty shot past Dean Henderson. Eight minutes later, Benjamin Sesko gave the home team the lead with a header from Fernandes’ cross.
After scoring for the third straight game, the Slovenian striker now has seven goals in his last eight games.
Henderson, a former United goalie, made a spectacular reaction save to save Casemiro from giving the home team a bigger advantage. Henderson also blocked a risky attempt by replacement Amad Diallo.
The outcome puts Michael Carrick’s team ahead of Aston Villa and in third place on goal differential, extending his record as manager to six victories and a tie from seven games.
Since Erik ten Hag’s first season in command in 2023, United has never finished as high as third.
Palace will undoubtedly aim for the Conference League as another trophy and European qualification before manager Oliver Glasner departs the team this summer. The team is now in 14th place in the standings, 10 points above the relegation zone.
