Bruno Fernandes Inspires Manchester United Comeback Against Crystal Palace

By Eppe Franklyne

• Fernandes scores penalty and provides assist for Sesko
• United win 2-1 over 10-man Crystal Palace
• Carrick extends unbeaten run to seven matches

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty and delivered a decisive free-kick for Benjamin Sesko to head home, securing a 2-1 comeback victory against 10-man Crystal Palace FC on Sunday.

Interim manager Michael Carrick extended his unbeaten streak since taking charge in mid-January to seven matches, with United climbing to third in the Premier League table, amassing 51 points from 28 games.

Palace opened the scoring early, with Maxence Lacroix heading in from a corner in the fourth minute. The defender was later sent off following a VAR review. Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot in the 57th minute before Sesko’s header from Fernandes’ free-kick completed the turnaround.

United dominated the second half, creating multiple chances through Casemiro, Amad Diallo, and Joshua Zirkzee, but were kept to the 2-1 scoreline by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The victory marked United’s highest league position since May 2023 and highlighted the immediate impact of Carrick’s stewardship following the January 5 sacking of Ruben Amorim.