Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace: Report, result, goals from Premier League 2025/26

Benjamin Sesko scored in a third successive match by heading the winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat 10-player Crystal Palace at Old Trafford and move third in the Premier League.

Maxence Lacroix headed Palace in front in the fourth minute from Brennan Johnson’s delivery, but the turning point in the contest arrived when the defender was dismissed for denying Matheus Cunha a clear scoring opportunity, committing a foul to allow Bruno Fernandes to equalise with a 57th-minute penalty.

Benjamin Šeško heads Manchester United in front for the first time this afternoon! 💥 pic.twitter.com/8Jy168e71z

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026

Slovenia striker Sesko then met Bruno Fernandes’ cross for his seventh goal of the calendar year, lifting United above Aston Villa on goal difference as Palace stayed 14th.

Bruno Fernandes converts from the spot, leaving Manchester United level & a player to the good! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/HoGmVPqPFP

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026

Analysis: Benjamin Sesko’s ‘superb’ goal continues spree

After an underwhelming start to his United career following his £74 million arrival from Leipzig in August, Sesko initially thrived under stand-in Darren Fletcher following Ruben Amorim’s departure as manager.

Having come off the bench to earn United an added-time point against West Ham and win against Everton, interim head coach Michael Carrick entrusted Sesko from the start this time and was rewarded as the 22-year-old continued his prolific form.

“It’s a classic centre-forward’s goal, that,” former Arsenal and England forward Alan Smith told Sky Sports.

“He had precious little to go at in the first half, but that is a lovely ball in and, if you can anticipate and get ahead of your man as he did on [Jaydee] Canvot, there’s every chance you’re going to score.

“He gets the power and direction, and it’s a superb header.”

Here’s how Sesko has scored his seven goals in 2026.

Manchester United team vs Crystal Palace

Centre-backs Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) and left-back Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) were injured for United, who made one change by bringing in Sesko for Amad Diallo.

Forward Bryan Mbeumo featured after being a doubt but midfielder Mason Mount was out with a knock.

Manchester United starting XI: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Bryan Mbeumo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko

Man United substitutes: Altay Bayindir, Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse

Maxence Lacroix STUNS Old Trafford early doors! 😳 pic.twitter.com/TMnGXWhFc5

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026

Crystal Palace team vs Man United

Palace made one change in attack from their home win over Zrinjski in the Europa League knockout phase play-offs three days earlier, bringing in Johnson – signed from Spurs in January – for Aston Villa loanee Evann Guessand.

Eddie Nketiah is not expected to feature until April after the forward suffered a setback in his comeback from a hamstring problem.

Defender or midfielder Jefferson Lerma had the same issue but is likely to return far sooner. Full-back Caleb Kporha had a long-term back issue and midfielder Cheick Doucoure and forward Jean-Philippe Mateta had knee injuries.

Crystal Palace starting XI: Dean Henderson, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot, Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell, Ismaila Sarr, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Brennan Johnson

Crystal Palace substitutes: Walter Benitez, Yeremy Pino, Christantus Uche, Nathaniel Clyne, Will Hughes, Borna Sosa, Evann Guessand, Chadi Riad, Justin Devenny

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace stats

• Following their 2-1 win at Selhurst Park in November, United completed their first league double over Crystal Palace since 2017/18
• Carrick has won all five of his home league games in charge (one in 2021, three in 2026) – only Frank O’Farrell had previously achieved the feart, doing so in 1971 (won first six)
• United have picked up 30 points in their last 13 home Premier League matches (W9 D3 L1) – 19 more then they managed in their previous 13 games at Old Trafford (11 – W3 D2 L8)
• They are the only team who haven’t lost in the Premier League since Boxing Day (W7 D4), while no side has won more points (2) during that period
• Sesko has six goals in seven league games for Manchester United since the departure of Amorim
• Palace had won four of their previous six away league games against Manchester United (L2), having won two of their first 22 visits to Old Trafford (D3 L17)
• They have two wins in their last 27 on the road against sides starting the day in the top-six (D8 L17)