Man United 2-1 Crystal Palace Player Ratings: Bruno Fernandes 9/10 MOTM as Red Devils Secure Yet Another Dramatic Comeback

Manchester United pulled off a massive 2-1 comeback victory at Anfield, overturning an early setback to secure three crucial Premier League points. Despite conceding inside four minutes through Maxence Lacroix, United showed composure and clinical edge to flip the contest in the second half. Manchester United looked shell-shocked. They dominated the ball for the rest of the half but just couldn't break down a resilient Palace defense. It felt like one of those frustrating days was on the cards for the Red Devils. We noticed a lot of sideways passing without much penetration.

The entire complexion of the match changed in the second half. A clumsy challenge from Maxence Lacroix inside the box was the catalyst. He went from hero to zero, conceding a penalty and getting a red card in one fell swoop. Bruno Fernandes, cool as you like, dispatched the spot-kick to level the scores. From there, it was all United. The pressure was immense, and it finally told when Benjamin Sesko headed home the winner, courtesy of a sublime cross from the captain. A classic comeback story, but one that Palace will feel was ripped from their grasp. Here are Sportsdunia's Man United vs Crystal Palace player ratings.

Key Takeaways

• Benjamin Sesko scored the decisive winner with United’s second shot on target.
• Maxence Lacroix was sent off in the 56th minute after opening the scoring.
• United climb to 3rd in the table with 51 points following a highly efficient away performance.

Man United Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Here are the Man United player ratings against Crystal Palace.

Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens - 6.5: Couldn't do much about the early header from Lacroix. He looked composed otherwise, but wasn't tested much after that. Commanded his box well enough and his distribution was decent, with a 74% pass accuracy.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot - 6.5: A typical energetic performance down the right flank. He was a constant outlet, putting in four crosses and recovering the ball seven times. However, he picked up a needless yellow card and was dribbled past once. A mixed but ultimately decent showing.

Harry Maguire - 7.0: A solid and commanding display before being subbed off. He was aerially dominant, winning four duels and boasting a 97% pass accuracy. Made a crucial block and four clearances, showing his defensive instincts are still sharp. A shame to see him withdrawn.

Leny Yoro - 6.0: From our perspective, a learning experience for the young defender. He looked a little shaky at times, losing four aerial duels and looking flustered by Palace's early pressure. His passing was safe and accurate at 93%, but he needs to impose himself more in physical battles.

Luke Shaw - 5.5: A very short and unfortunate outing. He was forced off with an injury after just 24 minutes. In his brief time on the pitch, he looked okay but didn't have a chance to make any real impact on the game.

Midfielders

Casemiro - 7.5: The midfield general was everywhere. He had an incredible 110 touches, won nine duels and recovered the ball nine times. He drove the team forward, especially in the second half. Missed a big chance with a header, but his overall contribution was immense in turning the tide.

Kobbie Mainoo - 6.5: A quiet but tidy game from the youngster. He kept possession ticking over with a 91% pass accuracy and made a couple of key passes. However, he struggled physically, winning only three of his nine duels. We wanted to see him be a bit more adventurous.

Bruno Fernandes - 9.0: The undisputed man of the match. What a performance. He dragged his team to victory by scoring the crucial penalty and then delivering a perfect assist for the winner. Created a staggering six chances, had three shots on target, and was the creative hub for everything United did well. A true captain's display.

Forwards

Bryan Mbeumo - 7.0: A livewire on the wing. He was a constant threat with his movement and created three chances for his teammates. His delivery was a bit hit-and-miss, but his work rate was excellent and he always looked to make things happen before being subbed.

Matheus Cunha - 7.0: His clever movement was a nightmare for the Palace defence. Won the crucial penalty that changed the game entirely. He was a nuisance throughout, drawing fouls and linking up play effectively, though his finishing was a bit wayward.

Benjamin Sesko - 8.0: The match-winner. He was a massive aerial threat all game, winning six of his seven aerial duels. He had four shots, with three on target, and finally got his reward with a powerful header for the winning goal. A classic number nine performance.

Substitutes

Noussair Mazraoui - 6.5: Came on for the injured Shaw and slotted in seamlessly. He was solid defensively and supported the attack when needed.

Amad Diallo - 6.0: Brought on for Sesko, he provided energy and had a decent shot saved by Henderson.

Ayden Heaven - N/A: Came on late for Maguire and picked up a yellow card.

Joshua Zirkzee - N/A: Replaced Mbeumo late on and had a shot blocked in stoppage time.

Manager

M. Carrick - 7.0: His team started poorly and looked bereft of ideas in the first half. However, they came out with renewed purpose in the second. The red card was a gift, but his side took full advantage to complete the turnaround. Job done, but the slow start is a concern.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Man United

Check out the Crystal Palace player ratings vs Man United in the Premier League clash.

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson - 8.0: What a heroic performance against his former club. He made an incredible nine saves, several of which were spectacular. He couldn't do anything about the penalty or the winning header. Kept his team in the game for so long, a brilliant display despite the result.

Defenders

Daniel Muñoz - 6.5: A battling performance at right-back. He made nine ball recoveries and two tackles. He tried to support the attack but was pegged back for most of the second half. A solid, if unspectacular, outing.

Jaydee Canvot - 7.0: A warrior at the back. He made a massive nine clearances and two blocked shots. He put his body on the line time and time again as United piled on the pressure. A really brave defensive performance.

Maxence Lacroix - 3.0: A true villain of the piece. After the dream start of scoring the opening goal, it turned into a complete nightmare. Conceding the penalty and getting a red card in the 56th minute single-handedly cost his team the game. A day to forget.

Chris Richards - 6.5: Like his defensive partners, he had to dig deep. He made five clearances and two interceptions. He struggled a bit in the air against Sesko but otherwise held his own under immense pressure.

Tyrick Mitchell - 6.0: Had a difficult afternoon dealing with United's wingers. He was dribbled past once and lost possession 16 times. However, he did create two chances and made four clearances, showing his willingness to contribute at both ends.

Midfielders

Adam Wharton - 6.0: A tidy but unremarkable performance before being substituted. He kept the ball moving with an 81% pass accuracy. However, he struggled to make a real impact on the game as United's midfield took control.

Daichi Kamada - 6.5: He was busy and industrious, winning six duels and creating two chances. But he also committed three fouls and picked up a yellow card. His influence waned as the game went on, especially after the red card.

Forwards

Ismaïla Sarr - 7.0: Looked like Palace's most dangerous attacker. He had two shots on target and was a constant threat with his pace. He drew three fouls and worked hard for the team, even after they went down to ten men.

Brennan Johnson - 6.5: Provided the assist for the opening goal and looked lively. He created one chance and drew two fouls. His impact was limited before he was substituted as a tactical change following the red card.

Jørgen Strand Larsen - 6.0: A frustrating day for the striker. He missed a big chance early on and struggled to get involved. He was a physical presence but was sacrificed after the red card. A tough day at the office for him.

Substitutes

Chadi Riad - 6.0: Brought on to shore up the defence after the red card and did a reasonable job under the circumstances.

Evann Guessand - 6.0: Added some fresh legs in attack but had very little service to work with.

Will Hughes - 6.0: Came on to add steel to the midfield and battled hard.

Yéremy Pino - N/A: A late substitute with no time to make an impact.

Manager

O. Glasner - 6.5: His game plan was working perfectly for 55 minutes. His side was organised, disciplined, and took their chance. He was completely undone by a moment of madness from his defender. He can feel very unlucky to leave with nothing.

Man of the Match

Bruno Fernandes was the man of the match.

Worst Performer

Maxence Lacroix was the worst performer in the match.