Another below par performance, but Carrick keeps the unbeaten train on track!

Three points at home, Bruno producing as always, and another Sesko goal. This post could have ended here, but let’s try to dive a bit deeper into what happened!

Match summary

What a weekend for the United faithful! If you like a bit of drama with your Sunday roast, this clash against Crystal Palace definitely delivered. It wasn’t the easiest start for Michael Carrick’s men, but the Red Devils showed some serious heart to flip the script and secure all three points.

The afternoon started with a bit of a shock when Palace’s Maxence Lacroix found the net just minutes in. United looked a little stuck in second gear for the first half, but everything changed after the break. A huge VAR moment saw Lacroix go from hero to villain, picking up a red card and handing United the lifeline they needed. Bruno stepped up (as he does!), and the in-form Benjamin Sesko made sure the Stretford End went home happy with a clinical winner.

It wasn’t always pretty, but moving up to 3rd in the table sure feels good!

Match highlights

4’ Early Shock: Maxence Lacroix puts Palace ahead with a sharp header right out of the gate. Not the start we wanted!

56’ The Turning Point: Red card for Lacroix! After a VAR check for a foul on Matheus Cunha, Palace are down to 10 men and United get a penalty.

57’ Captain Fantastic: Bruno Fernandes keeps his cool and slots the penalty home. Game on! 🎯

65’ The Winner: Benjamin Sesko stays on fire, heading in a beautiful cross from Bruno to seal the 2-1 victory.

Main takeaway

After conceding such a weird early goal, we did not look ready for the game at all until the 30 minute mark. Right before half time we grew more and more into the game. After the break, the team came out on the pitch and started somewhat slow once again, but after some time we got some momentum. The decision to award the penalty seemed fair, although slightly harsh with the red card. The refs have to follow the rules, but we got our fair share of luck in this game overall.

This was the first game in the starting XI for Sesko under Carrick, and he continued the red hot form he has been showing coming off the bench lately. He should be trusted from starte very game from now until the end of the season!

For what seems like the first time this season, we now have an injury list which is getting uncomfortably long. Hopefully Licha is fit for the upcoming game against Newcastle, and let’s hope the Shaw injury was just an impact injury. But knowing these guys injury records, it is definitely a cause for concern.