Man Utd Player Ratings vs Palace: Magical Fernandes gets 9/10 but two 8/10s equally important for Carrick
Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League today.
United head coach Michael Carrick made one statement change to his starting XI, with Benjamin Sesko replacing Amad Diallo.
Palace enjoyed a dream start with Maxence Lacroix scoring in the fourth minute.
Carrick looked shell-shocked as his team lacked chemistry in the first half.
The contest changed in the second half, with Lacroix picking up a straight red card after bringing Matheus Cunha down inside the box.
Captain Bruno Fernandes fired United level before delivering a sumptuous cross for Benjamin Sesko, who rose highest to score yet another important goal.
The scoreline could have been worse for the Eagles were it not for some fantastic goalkeeping from Dean Henderson.
This victory helped United to leapfrog Aston Villa and move to third position.
Player Ratings
Senne Lammens – 7/10
Another composed display from the Belgium international, who remained assured throughout and produced a crucial save to deny Ismaila Sarr.
Diogo Dalot – 5/10
An uncharacteristically sloppy display in possession. His involvement in the final third was also limited.
Leny Yoro – 5/10
Caught out too easily for the opener and endured a shaky start, but grew into the game after United went a man up.
Harry Maguire – 7/10
Another dominant display from the Englishman, winning six of his seven duels. He limped down the tunnel late on, a worrying sight for the home crowd.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Shaw was unfortunately taken off due to an injury after 25 minutes.
Casemiro – 6/10
Nearly found the net with Fernandes the architect once more, but failed to dictate the tempo in the opening stages as Palace dominated.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10
A relatively quiet display by his recent standards, unable to impose himself as United ceded midfield dominance for large spells before the red card incident.
Bruno Fernandes – 9/10
A telling reminder to why he is undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League. He sliced Palace open with a razor-sharp pass to send Cunha through, leading to the penalty that he coolly dispatched himself.
He then delivered a breathtaking cross for Sesko to power home the decisive winner.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6/10
Not a productive evening for arguably the signing of the season.
Matheus Cunha – 7/10
United have rarely had a forward as street-smart and combative as him. The left wing is not his most natural role, yet his influence and intensity make him undroppable under Carrick.
Benjamin Sesko – 8/10
The striker made his first start under Carrick today.
He was largely isolated in the first half but burst into life after the break, powering home a thunderous header in the 65th minute. On current form, he looks like the most in-form striker in the league.
Substitutes
Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10
As a natural right-footer, he looked slightly uncomfortable operating at left-back, but he still performed his duties diligently and got the job done.
Amad Diallo – 7/10
Looked lively in his cameo but may need goals to earn his starting spot back.
Joshua Zirkzee – NA
Too late to rate.
Ayden Heaven – NA
Too late to rate.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .