Manchester United rally past 10-man Crystal Palace amid VAR drama to climb third

Manchester United came from behind to secure a dramatic victory over 10-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with a contentious penalty and red card decision proving decisive in a result that lifts the hosts into third place in the Premier League, Sport360NG reports.

Palace stunned the home crowd inside four minutes when defender Maxence Lacroix struck to hand the visitors an early advantage. The London side looked set to claim a third consecutive win at Old Trafford until the game turned midway through the second half.

Lacroix was adjudged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity after pulling back Matheus Cunha as the forward drove toward goal. While the initial contact occurred outside the penalty area, the defender continued to impede Cunha as he crossed into the box. Following a VAR review, referee Chris Kavanagh upheld his on-field decision to award a penalty and dismissed Lacroix.

Bruno Fernandes converted emphatically from the spot in the 57th minute to restore parity before Benjamin Sesko completed the turnaround eight minutes later, powering home a header from Fernandes’ cross. The Slovenia international has now scored in three successive matches, taking his tally to seven goals in his last eight appearances.

Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a string of impressive saves to keep Palace in contention, notably denying Casemiro with a sharp reaction stop and later thwarting substitute Amad Diallo.

The victory continues the impressive start under interim boss Michael Carrick, whose side now boast six wins and a draw from seven matches. United move above Aston Villa into third on goal difference, their highest league position since Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge in 2023.

Palace remain 14th, 10 points clear of the relegation zone. With manager Oliver Glasner set to depart at the end of the campaign, attention may increasingly turn toward a potential Conference League push as the club seeks silverware and European qualification.