Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United climbed up to third for the first time since May 2023 after securing a gritty, but crucial, 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Palace were the better team from kick-off, and they took the lead after just four minutes, when Maxence Lacroix freed himself from Leny Yoro, heading into the back of the net from a corner.

United struggled to get into the game in the first half, with their play often being far too slow, lacking any real rhythm.

However, the match shifted dramatically after the break, with United looking much more promising going forward. They got a huge boost early in the half when Lacroix was sent off for pulling Matheus Cunha back in the penalty area, with United also getting a spot-kick. Bruno Fernandes calmly dispatched the opportunity, equalising for Michael Carrick's side.

The Portuguese midfielder quickly turned from scorer to provider, swinging in a delightful cross towards Benjamin Sesko, who thumped a beautiful header past Dean Henderson to put United in front.

United slowed the pace down after the goal, and they saw out the victory, controlling the play to earn Carrick's sixth win in seven games.

This is how United fared against Palace at Old Trafford:

Senne Lammens 7

Made a couple of neat saves during Palace's period of pressure, with him not being able to do much for their opener. More of a spectator in the second half, but did string together a couple of neat passes.

Diogo Dalot 4

Dalot had an utterly terrible first half, struggling defensively and giving the ball away needlessly on more than one occasion. While he improved in the second half, he was still way off his recent self.

Leny Yoro 5

Yoro lost Lacroix for the opener, and was struggling to handle the Palace forwards when under pressure. Jorgen Strand Larsen was getting the better of him for large parts of the game, and it is only when Palace got the sending off that he settled down.

Harry Maguire 7

The sharpest of United's performers throughout the first half. Dealt with the threat that Strand Larsen offered, and kept Ismaila Sarr relatively quiet. Came off with what seemed to be an injury. Hopefully nothing too serious as United will need him against Newcastle United on Wednesday.

Luke Shaw 4

Struggled to handle the Palace forwards early on. He was gutted to go down with his first injury of the season, having made 28 successive league starts.

Casemiro 6

Not his best display, but he was key to constantly putting the ball forward and trying to make things happen. Probably should have scored to help United ease to the win.

Kobbie Mainoo 7

One of United's most consistent players on the day, looking solid after the break. Solid when tracking back, highlighted by an excellent sliding challenge near the managers' touchline in the second half.

Bryan Mbeumo 6

Had some bright moments when he attacked Tyrick Mitchell, linking up well with Bruno Fernandes, but he struggled to find the usual space that he thrives from. Came to life midway through the second half.

Bruno Fernandes 9

Manchester United's best player on the pitch. While he was not that influential at the start, he was the only player that was looking to create things early on. At times absolutely phenomenal with his play, looking a class above the rest. Took the penalty brilliantly, before delivering a perfect cross for Sesko. Should have probably had more assists had the other United players been more efficient in front of goal.

Matheus Cunha 6

Did very well to win the penalty from Lacroix, but United also found it difficult to build up play when he was always drifting inside, as Noussair Mazraoui often had to offer the width himself. Showed some bits of quality on the ball, and worked hard to win it whenever he could.

Benjamin Sesko 8

Given the nod from the start, and he delivered. While he was finding it difficult to get into the game early on, he was still winning the ball a fair amount of times. Got a bullet header to put United in front, and had a couple of half-chances as well.

Substitutes

Noussair Mazraoui 7

Came on very early on, and he made a key defensive header in the first half and offered United some control defensively.

Amad 7

Brought on for Sesko and he was very lively on the ball, crafting an excellent chance for himself before seeing his wicked shot saved.

Ayden Heaven 6

Replaced Maguire, and was relatively comfortable. Could have a greater role to play with injuries to teammates.

Joshua Zirkzee 6

Linked up well with teammates in the little time he had on the pitch.

Head Coach - Michael Carrick 7

Made a brave choice to start Sesko and drop Amad, and it proved fruitful. United struggled to get into the game in the first half, but he seemed to instruct the players to be wider in the second half, and it allowed them to get Lacroix sent off and United never looked back. Vital win in the race for UEFA Champions League football, keeping the winning momentum going.