Super Sesko strikes again to send United third
Manchester United came from behind to overcome Crystal Palace at old Trafford today. Second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko proved to be the difference. It now puts them third ahead of Aston Villa after their slip up.
It was a disappointment for ten man Palace though. They were ahead within the first few minutes and causing plenty of issues in the first half. The double blow of conceding a penalty and having a player sent off proved to be too much though.
Michael Carrick elected to make one change from the win over Everton on Monday night. Benjamin Sesko was rewarded for his form off the bench with a starting position up front. Amad Diallo was the man to make way for him. Oliver Glasner also made one change. Brennan Johnson came into the side ahead of Evann Guessand.
The home side were looking to extend a ten game unbeaten run that has seen them move up the table. It was a poor start from them though. A corner was conceded that was swung in from Brennan Johnson on the left. Maxence Lacroix stole a yard on Leny Yoro and looped his header over Senne Lammens.
Their bright start almost got better ten minutes later. Daniel Munoz played a one two with Ismaila Saar to release the winger into the penalty area. His effort was saved by Lammens and the rebound cleared away. The visitors were controlling possession and looking the livelier of the two despite being in European action on Thursday.
Luke Shaw had taken a knock and had to be subbed off feeling unwell. It was another disruption to the home side’s game. Noussair Mazraoui came on in his place.
They were struggling to make a dent into the game. A repeat of the corner routine against Tottenham tried to catch them out. Dean Henderson was wide to the danger though. The Palace keeper then was able to hold onto a header from Benjamin Sesko.
The closest that Utd came to an equaliser was four minutes before the break. Daichi Kamada fouled Bryan Mbeumo on the edge of the area. Fernandes stepped up and his dipping effort was tipped just over the bar. He tried to pick out Casemiro at the back-post from another set-piece but the Brazilian miscued his header.
They continued to push for an equaliser into the second-half. Both Mbeumo and Sesko had efforts blocked in the opening few minutes. Lacroix was lucky to get away with the concession of a penalty when it appeared a Sesko header came off his hand.
He was not so lucky on 52 minutes though. Fernandes played a precise ball into the path of Matheus Cunha who burst into the area and was poised to shoot. The defender pulled back the forward who went to ground. After some deliberation, a penalty was awarded and Lacroix was sent off. Fernandes stepped up to slot it past Henderson.
The comeback was complete on 65 minutes. The Palace defence were unable to clear sufficiently and it was picked up by Fernandes. He floated a cross into the area where Sesko had stolen a yard on Jaydee Canvot to plant his header into the bottom corner.
The home side continued to create chances to kill off the game. Casemiro had a volley saved and Amad Diallo’s low shot was held. Palace were still looking a threat on the counter but the defence held firm.
Job done on the final whistle. The reds now have a massive game at Newcastle on Wednesday night in the hunt for European places. Crystal Palace take on Tottenham which could have massive implications in the relegation zone.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire (Ayden Heaven 85), Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw (Noussair Mazraoui 23), Carlos Casemiro, Kobee Mainoo, , Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo (Joshua Zirkzee 85), Benjamin Sesko (Amad Diallo 75).
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Tyrell Malacia, Manuel Ugarte, Tyler Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse.
Booked: Diogo Dalot (36), Ayden Heaven (89)
Sent off:
Crystal Palace: Dean Henderson, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot, Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton (Will Hughes 68), Daichi Kamada (Yeremy Pino 85), Tyrick Mitchell, Ismaila Saar, Jorgen Larsen (Evann Guessand 58), Brennan Johnson (Chadi Riad 58).
Subs not used: Walter Benitez, Justin Devenny, Borna Sosa, Nathaniel Clyne, Christantus Uche.
Booked: Daichi Kamada (06), Dean Henderson (50)
Sent off: Maxence Lacroix (56)
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Attendance: 73,934
Simply Red Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes
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