Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick continued in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford, as they overcame an early setback to defeat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-1 on March 1, 2026. The win propelled United above Aston Villa into third place in the Premier League table, keeping their Champions League ambitions firmly on track and sending a surge of optimism through the home crowd.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Red Devils. The match began with a jolt as Crystal Palace stunned the hosts just minutes after kickoff. Maxence Lacroix, rising above Leny Yoro, powered home a header from a Brennan Johnson corner, leaving United’s defense flat-footed and the Old Trafford faithful momentarily silenced. Palace, buoyed by their early lead, nearly doubled their advantage when Ismaila Sarr broke through, only to be denied by a sharp save from Senne Lammens.
United’s troubles deepened when Luke Shaw, a mainstay at left-back all season, was forced off after just 24 minutes. A challenge from Daniel Munoz appeared to aggravate a foot injury, and with tape already visible under his knee, concerns mounted about Shaw’s fitness. Michael Carrick later hinted that Shaw may also have been feeling unwell, further clouding his availability for the upcoming clash with Newcastle United. It was a rare setback in what has been one of Shaw’s most consistent campaigns since 2022-23, and his absence left United scrambling for solutions on the left flank. Right-footed Noussair Mazraoui was pressed into action, offering defensive solidity but little in the way of attacking thrust.
Despite their sluggish start and mounting injuries, United gradually found their rhythm. The home crowd, restless but supportive, unveiled a pro-immigration banner at the start of the second half, a pointed response to recent comments from minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The atmosphere grew electric as United pressed forward, searching for an equalizer. Dean Henderson, Palace’s goalkeeper and a former United man, twice denied Benjamin Sesko and Bruno Fernandes before halftime, while Casemiro squandered a golden opportunity with a wayward header from a Fernandes free kick.
The turning point arrived just before the hour mark, courtesy of a moment that would spark controversy and debate. Matheus Cunha burst into the Palace box, only for Lacroix to tug his shoulder. The initial contact began outside the area, but continued into the box, prompting Cunha to go down theatrically. After a VAR review, referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty and showed Lacroix a red card—a decision that Palace fans felt was harsh, if not outright unjust. As The Athletic’s Chris McKenna put it, "It was a penalty gained rather than earned." Nevertheless, Bruno Fernandes stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot-kick past Henderson, leveling the score and swinging momentum decisively in United’s favor.
Palace, now down to ten men, struggled to regroup. United seized the initiative, and within eight minutes, their persistence paid off. Fernandes, architect of so many United attacks, delivered a curling cross into the box. Benjamin Sesko, making his first league start since January 7, darted in front of Jaydee Canvot and powered a header past Henderson. It was Sesko’s fourth goal in five games—and his seventh in his last eight appearances—an emphatic response to the pressure of his £74 million ($99.7 million) price tag and the "super sub" label that had dogged his early months in Manchester.
Carrick was effusive in his praise for the Slovenian striker after the match. "I’m delighted for Ben. I have sat here and said it has not been a headache (selection); he has had a huge impact and is making big improvements, and it is getting used to being here. He is desperate to do well, he works so hard and he is a pleasure to work with. It is a fantastic goal," Carrick told reporters. "A lot is on Ben. He has put the work in. He is a good player and he has got some great strengths and he is scoring different types of goals — he is such a real threat. I am really excited where he can get to. He has got huge potential."
Sesko’s performance was all the more impressive given his limited involvement in the first half—just seven touches, the fewest of any player on the pitch. But when the chance came, he made no mistake, underlining why there is growing belief at Old Trafford that he can be United’s No. 9 for years to come. He left the field with 15 minutes to play, job done, and no need for late heroics this time.
The victory extended United’s unbeaten run under Carrick to 11 Premier League matches, with 19 points from a possible 21 and six wins in their last seven games. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a side that hadn’t been this high in the table since May 2023. The connection between players and fans is palpable, with Carrick acknowledging the "positivity and everyone enjoying coming to the games." He added, "The players have to take a lot of credit for that — it’s certainly not all me — but that connection with the supporters is huge. Even when there is a bit of a stormy start to get through the game today."
For Crystal Palace, the defeat was a bitter pill. Lacroix’s early heroics were overshadowed by his sending off, and the visitors’ hopes of a third consecutive league win at Old Trafford evaporated with the penalty decision. Palace dropped to 15th in the table after Brighton’s victory over Nottingham Forest, and manager Oliver Glasner will be left to rue what might have been had the match stayed eleven versus eleven.
As for Manchester United, attention now turns to their next Premier League fixture: a trip to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United on March 4. With Shaw’s fitness in doubt and momentum on their side, Carrick’s men will be eager to solidify their grip on third place and continue their charge toward Champions League qualification. The belief is back at Old Trafford, and with Sesko firing and Fernandes orchestrating, United’s supporters have reason to dream again.