Manchester Utd
Crystal Palace
Match Statistics
Confirmed Lineups
- 1 Lammens S.
- 2 Dalot D.
- 3 Yoro L.
- 4 Maguire H.
- 5 Shaw L.
- 6 Casemiro
- 7 Mainoo K.
- 8 Mbeumo B.
- 9 Fernandes B.
- 10 Cunha M.
- 11 Sesko B.
Substitutes
Bayindir A., Diallo A., Fletcher T., Heaven A., Malacia T., Mazraoui N., Moorhouse J., Ugarte M., Zirkzee J.
- 1 Henderson D.
- 2 Richards C.
- 3 Lacroix M.
- 4 Canvot J.
- 5 Munoz D.
- 6 Wharton A.
- 7 Kamada D.
- 8 Mitchell T.
- 9 Sarr I.
- 10 Larsen J. S.
- 11 Johnson B.
Substitutes
Benitez W., Clyne N., Devenny J., Guessand E., Hughes W., Pino Y., Riad C., Sosa B., Uche C., X
Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Match Commentary
Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Match Overview: 2-1 Premier League
Old Trafford had to earn its roar on 2026-03-01 as Manchester Utd turned an early shock into a hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Result was shaped by a set-piece punch from the visitors, a VAR twist that flipped the game, and a second-half surge that finally told in the Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Score. Maxence Lacroix headed Palace in front from a corner, before Bruno Fernandes’ penalty levelled it and Benjamin Sesko’s clinical header completed the comeback. It was the kind of afternoon that felt like a statement: Manchester United kept pushing until the pressure became inevitable.
First Half
The opening minutes carried a sting. Crystal Palace arrived organised and fearless, and they struck almost immediately. A corner was swung in with purpose, and Lacroix rose near the penalty spot to plant a header into the left side of the net. At 0-1, the away end found its voice and Old Trafford went quiet in disbelief.
Manchester Utd responded with control rather than chaos. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo helped settle the rhythm, and Bruno Fernandes began to probe with early shots and clever deliveries. Dean Henderson, facing his former club, set the tone for a long day with sharp saves—first from Fernandes’ free-kick effort and then from Sesko’s powerful header as United’s attacks started to stack up.
There was a disruption when Luke Shaw was forced off injured, with Noussair Mazraoui introduced, but the pattern didn’t change: Manchester United pressing, Crystal Palace defending deep and looking to break through Ismaila Sarr and Brennan Johnson. Palace had moments—Sarr forced a fine stop from Senne Lammens—but the bigger chances belonged to the home side, who went into the interval behind despite steadily building momentum.
Key Moments
- Crystal Palace stunned Old Trafford early as Maxence Lacroix headed in from a Brennan Johnson corner for 0-1.
- Manchester Utd’s pressure grew, with Dean Henderson producing standout saves to deny Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko.
- Luke Shaw’s injury and substitution tested United’s balance, but they kept the ball and kept asking questions.
Second Half
The second period began with Manchester Utd turning the screw. Corners arrived in waves, crosses flew in, and Henderson was repeatedly called into action—saving from Sesko and reacting quickly to close down chances inside the box. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, were reduced to scraps: a snatched effort from Jorgen Strand Larsen wide, and the occasional long-range attempt that never truly unsettled Lammens.
Then came the moment that changed everything. United appealed for a penalty after Lacroix was penalised for holding, and VAR took over the narrative. The review upheld the spot-kick and upgraded the incident to a red card for Lacroix, leaving Palace with ten men and a fragile lead. Fernandes stepped up with a captain’s calm, drilling the penalty low into the bottom right corner to bring the game to 1-1 and ignite the stadium.
With the numbers advantage and the crowd pulling them forward, Manchester Utd played like a team that could smell the winner. Fernandes started to find pockets, Cunha carried the ball aggressively to the edge of the area, and chances kept arriving—Casemiro even missed a point-blank opportunity that Henderson somehow kept out. But the breakthrough was only delayed, not denied.
On 65 minutes, Fernandes delivered again—this time with a lofted cross that asked the perfect question. Sesko answered with a striker’s header, guiding it low inside the right post for 2-1. From there, it became a test of nerve and game management. Palace still had one big sight of goal when Tyrick Mitchell flashed a shot just over, and there was late tension as United chased the third rather than retreating. In stoppage time, Henderson made another excellent save from Amad Diallo, and Mainoo’s long-range thunderbolt drifted narrowly wide, but the final whistle confirmed the comeback.
Key Moments
- VAR intervened to award Manchester Utd a penalty and send off Maxence Lacroix, swinging the contest decisively.
- Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot to make it 1-1 and lift Old Trafford.
- Benjamin Sesko headed in from a Fernandes cross to secure the 2-1 winner.
- Dean Henderson kept Crystal Palace alive with a string of saves, including a late stop from Amad Diallo.
Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Stats Breakdown
The Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Stats underline why the comeback felt deserved. Manchester United dominated possession (61% to 39%), recorded 20 total shots to Palace’s 8, and hit the target 11 times compared to 3. The xG analysis leans heavily towards the hosts too: 2.16 xG for Manchester Utd against 0.39 for Crystal Palace, with United also posting 1.31 expected assists to Palace’s 0.31.
Crystal Palace’s early goal came from one of their few moments of sustained pressure, but after that they were largely pinned back—reflected in the corner count (7-1) and touches in the opposition box (32-13). Henderson’s nine saves told its own story, and once Palace went down to ten men, the game tilted fully into United territory. In Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Analysis terms, it was a match where territory and chance volume eventually overcame the initial setback, even if the visitors defended with resilience for long spells.
For those looking for Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Highlights, the defining images are clear: Lacroix’s early header, Fernandes’ ice-cold penalty, and Sesko’s decisive aerial finish in a second half that felt increasingly one-way.
Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Lineups
Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Lineups were set up with contrasting shapes: Manchester United in a 4-2-3-1 and Crystal Palace in a 3-4-3.
Manchester Utd XI (4-2-3-1)
Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
Crystal Palace XI (3-4-3)
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Strand Larsen, Johnson.
Key changes included Shaw’s early injury substitution (Mazraoui on) and late attacking switches as United sought control and then daylight. Palace reshuffled after the red card, but the damage was already done.
Player of the Match
Bruno Fernandes. In a game that demanded leadership and precision, Fernandes delivered both. He kept Manchester Utd moving when they were frustrated, scored the equaliser under pressure, and produced the match-winning assist with a cross that begged to be finished. The Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Match Report begins and ends with his influence.
What the Result Means
The Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Result is the kind that can sharpen belief inside a dressing room: concede early, lose a key player to injury, and still find a way through. For Manchester United, it’s a win built on sustained pressure, set-piece threat, and decisive quality in the final third—exactly the traits you want to see in a Premier League match report that signals momentum.
For Crystal Palace, the story is harsher. They executed the opening plan brilliantly and defended with real commitment, but the VAR decision and red card changed the landscape completely. Even so, their late chances hinted they remain capable of hurting teams when transitions open up. In terms of Manchester Utd vs Crystal Palace Goals, Palace struck first, but United’s response was relentless and ultimately decisive.
If you followed this as a “Manchester Utd match today” or “Crystal Palace match today” kind of fixture, it delivered drama, controversy, and a finish that felt earned at full-time—plus plenty of post-match reaction fuel around the pivotal VAR call.
The referee checks his watch and blows his whistle to signal the end of this match.
90+8'
The attendance is 73934.
90+8'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) tries to find Evann Guessand, but he puts too much power on the through ball. The ball goes out of play and Manchester Utd will have a goal kick.
90+7'
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) tries his luck and hits a thunderbolt of a shot towards goal from long range, but his powerful strike goes narrowly wide of the left post.
90+7'
Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) receives a neat pass inside the box and instantly thumps the ball goalward, but a defender makes a last ditch block to deny him.
90+5'
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) makes a run beyond the last defender, but he's offside.
90+5'
Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) collects a pass from the flank, looks up and fires in a goal-bound shot from the edge of the box which canons off a defender to safety.
90+4'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) takes the corner, but he overhits it and none of his teammates are able to reach the ball. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Crystal Palace.
90+3'
A dangerous attempt from Amad Diallo (Manchester United) was aimed to the top left corner, but Dean Henderson pulls off a superb save and stops this one. Manchester Utd force a corner. They send men into the box.
90+2'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) attempts to release Noussair Mazraoui with a through ball, but his effort is thwarted by one of the defending players.
90'
8 additional min. will be played.
90'
6:1 – the corner kicks stats.
90'
That was a poorly executed free kick from long distance. Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) was trying to produce a cross into the penalty area, but his effort sailed off the pitch. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Manchester Utd.
89'
Ayden Heaven (Manchester United) picks up a yellow card for an infringement.
88'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) sends a long ball forward to Evann Guessand, but he put too much power and the chance is gone.
87'
A pass by Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace) ends up in no man's land, and the attacking effort comes to an end.
86'
Substitution. Bryan Mbeumo walks off the pitch and Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) comes on as a substitute.
85'
Here is a change. Harry Maguire is going off and Michael Carrick gives the last tactical orders to Ayden Heaven (Manchester United).
85'
Substitution. Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) has come on for Daichi Kamada.
84'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) wastes a big chance! He unleashes a shot from the edge of the box and it goes narrowly over the crossbar.
83'
Casemiro (Manchester United) brings an opponent down and Chris Kavanagh interrupts the game. A free kick to Crystal Palace.
82'
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) receives an accurate pass and finds some space for a shot. The keeper is prepared and denies his low, long-range blast aimed directly at the bottom of the net.
81'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) plays a lovely through ball to Casemiro, but he can't beat Dean Henderson and loses the ball.
80'
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) has a good chance to score with a mid-range attempt after collecting a pass. He aims for the bottom left corner, but he can't generate enough power to trouble Dean Henderson.
79'
Manchester Utd are showing great team chemistry. They are passing the ball around seamlessly.
77'
A defender unwittingly blocks the ball on the line after a snap shot from Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) inside the box following a slide rule pass.
77'
Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) tries to find Daniel Munoz with a clever through ball from the corner of the box, but the defence is alert to the danger and makes a clearance.
75'
The referee allows time for a substitution. Benjamin Sesko will be replaced by Amad Diallo (Manchester United).
74'
What an opportunity! Casemiro (Manchester United) wastes a huge chance as he latches on to a perfect pass and produces a first-time blast from point blank range. It goes towards the right side of the goal, but Dean Henderson reacts superbly to keep the ball out.
74'
The corner kick from Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) is headed out of the penalty area by one of the defenders.
73'
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) produces a quality cross into the box, but the opposition's defence intercepts the ball and spanks it away. The ball is out of play. Manchester Utd will have a chance to score from a corner.
73'
The ball is cleared after Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) attempted to dribble past an opposing player.
72'
13:6 – the total goal attempt statistics. 7:3 - the latest stats for both teams in respect of shots on target.
71'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) takes the free kick from a long way out but the defender manages to get it clear.
68'
The manager makes a subsitution with Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) coming on for Adam Wharton.
67'
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) picks up the ball, dribbles to the edge of the penalty area and unleashes a brilliant low shot to the middle of the goal, but is thwarted by a decent save from Dean Henderson.
65'
2 - 1
The ball hits the back of the net! Bruno Fernandes showcases his brilliant technique and produces a beautiful lofted cross into the box. Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) gets onto the scoresheet by sweetly heading it low inside the right post – 2:1.
64'
A terrific attempt by Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) from the edge of the box slides just narrowly past the right post.
64'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) receives a pass then lets rip from long range towards the bottom right corner, but Senne Lammens watches it all the way and makes an easy save.
62'
Manchester Utd are seeing far more of the ball now.
61'
Benjamin Sesko receives a sweet pass inside the box from Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), but one of the defenders is first to the ball and makes an interception.
58'
Oliver Glasner has decided to substitute Brennan Johnson and he is replaced by Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace).
58'
The substitute is ready due to the red card. Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace) comes on to replace Jorgen Strand Larsen.
57'
1 - 1
Goal! Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) wins the battle of wills and sends an unstoppable penalty past Dean Henderson into the bottom right corner.
57'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) is going to take the penalty!
56'
He’s off! Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) gets his marching orders from referee Chris Kavanagh after the VAR review.
56'
Referee Chris Kavanagh is happy with his original decision after the VAR review. It’s a PENALTY to Manchester Utd!
54'
There's a break in play and the referee must have got a signal in his ear as he indicates he will check that earlier infringement by Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) using VAR. This could result in a red card!
53'
The referee isn't 100% sure if it's a penalty to Manchester Utd, he's going to review using VAR.
52'
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) is penalised for holding. Chris Kavanagh signals a set piece. It's a penalty for Manchester Utd!
52'
Dean Henderson comes off his line to intercept the corner from Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United).
52'
Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) crosses into the box from near the side line, but he doesn't connect as he wanted and it's cleared by the well-organized defence. The linesman points to the corner flag, Manchester Utd are going to take it.
51'
Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) displays brilliant awareness in the penalty box and sends in a first-time shot. He didn't hit the ball properly and it goes well wide of the left post.
50'
Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) attempts to score as he rises near the penalty spot and heads the ball to the roof of the net. Dean Henderson displays brilliant reflexes and pulls off a comfortable save to stop the ball from hitting the net.
49'
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) obviously intended to delay the restart of play and the referee blows the whistle. Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) is rightly booked by the referee because it could not have been anything other than a yellow card.
48'
Casemiro (Manchester United) pounces on a cross into the middle of the box, but plants his header well wide of the right post.
48'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) takes the corner but only sends it into a huddle of the defenders and one of them makes a good clearance.
47'
Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) gets to the rebound and shoots, but the effort is blocked. The referee points to the corner flag and Manchester Utd will take a corner.
46'
The players are back out on the pitch following the half-time break and the second half is about to start.
45+4'
The first half of today's match has just finished.
45+3'
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) did his best to latch on to a crossfield pass, but it was too long and it goes out of play. The referee and the linesman both signal a throw-in for Crystal Palace.
45+1'
Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) whips the ball in, but it fails to reach any of his teammates as the opposition's defence averts the threat.
45'
3 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
43'
Casemiro (Manchester United) latches onto the free kick from Bruno Fernandes, but heads just wide of the right post from close range.
43'
Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) makes a reckless foul in order to win the ball from his opponent. Chris Kavanagh has a clear sight of it and blows his whistle. Manchester Utd are given an advantage. They have a free kick.
42'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) takes the corner but fails to find any of his teammates.
42'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) attempts to beat the goalkeeper with an accurate shot from the free kick, which is placed dangerously close to the penalty area. However, Dean Henderson pulls off a great save to stop his attempt towards the roof of the net. The ball goes out of play and Manchester Utd have been awarded a corner kick.
41'
Chris Kavanagh blows the whistle, Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) is penalised for a foul. Manchester Utd have a free kick from a promising distance.
40'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) wastes a good opportunity as his pass into the box is blocked by the defence.
40'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) plays a long ball to Bryan Mbeumo, but the defence is well organised and manages to get it clear.
38'
Dean Henderson pulls off a fantastic save! Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) attempts to head home after a precise cross into the box. He aims his header towards the left post, but the effort is kept out.
37'
Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) gets on the end of a pass and takes a shot from the edge of the box, but it's blocked by one of the defending players.
36'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) is given a fully deserved yellow card.
34'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) fails to time his run beyond the last defender and the linesman makes a good call by signalling for offside after seeing the whole situation unfold.
33'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) sends a teasing cross into the area, but Dean Henderson intercepts the ball.
32'
The current number of shots on target for both teams is 2:4. The number of shots on goal at present is 1:2.
32'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) swings in the corner, but fails to find any of his teammates. One of the defenders reacts superbly to get it clear.
32'
Harry Maguire (Manchester United) gets himself onto the end of the corner, but his header is blocked. Manchester Utd have a corner.
32'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) will take the corner.
31'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) produces a dangerous low pass into the penalty area, but the defence manage to cut it out. The referee points to the corner flag. It's a corner to Manchester Utd.
30'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) sends over a cross, but he can't find any teammate inside the box. Poor delivery.
30'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) passes the ball onto Bryan Mbeumo, but one of the defenders dispossesses him.
27'
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away. The ball goes out of play and Crystal Palace will have a goal kick.
24'
Luke Shaw (Manchester United) is being substituted because of an injury. Michael Carrick sends Noussair Mazraoui on the pitch.
22'
Luke Shaw (Manchester United) is clearly asking for some medical attention with his painful gestures. The extent of his injury is yet to be discovered.
22'
Tyrick Mitchell received a sweet pass from Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), but the advance is stopped. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Manchester Utd.
20'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) breaks past challenges inside the box, but puts too much pace on his pass to Bruno Fernandes.
18'
Neat passing move from Manchester Utd in order to create new attacking opportunities.
16'
39:61 – the ratio of ball possession.
16'
Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) crosses the ball into the box from the free kick, but the defence clears the danger.
12'
Flag up against Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace). He had space to move into behind the defence, but he went too soon.
12'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) runs onto a loose pass inside the box and releases a tremendous shot towards the top right corner. However, Senne Lammens anticipates the shot and makes a brilliant save.
11'
Half-chance! Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) plays a pass into the box, but Dean Henderson reacts well to snuff out the attack.
11'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) sends a superb lead pass into the penalty area and finds Kobbie Mainoo, who fails to shoot.
9'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) tries to pass the ball into the penalty area but it's blocked.
7'
Leny Yoro (Manchester United) sends a long ball forward to Matheus Cunha, but he put too much power and the chance is gone. The ball goes out of play and Crystal Palace will have a goal kick.
6'
This yellow card was deserved. The tackle by Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) was quite harsh and Chris Kavanagh didn't hesitate to show him a yellow card.
4'
0 - 1
Goal! Brennan Johnson launched the corner kick and superbly found the head of Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), whose accurate effort from near the penalty spot went straight into the left side of the goal. It's 0:1.
4'
Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) will deliver the ball into the penalty box from a corner kick.
3'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) takes a shot from the edge of the box, but it's not a big threat for the goalkeeper as his effort is blocked by a defender. Corner kick. Crystal Palace will have an opportunity.
3'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) had an opportunity from long range. His low shot was directed towards the middle of the goal, but Dean Henderson was alert and made a comfortable save.
2'
Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) fires a volley from the edge of the box, but his effort goes well wide of the left post.
2'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) whips a promising cross into the box, but the opposition's defence intercepts the ball.
1'
The first half has started.
Manchester Utd will kick the game off.
The referee of today's match will be Chris Kavanagh.
Show lineups
The starting XIs were already announced and you can go through them in the Lineups section.
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