United View: Reds go third after Palace win

Manchester United moved up to third in the Premier League following their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. 

Michael Carrick’s side turned around a one-goal deficit at half time after Maxence Lacroix’s red card resulted in a penalty before Benjamin Sesko delivered again to pick up all three points.

It was a lethargic first half from the Reds, who went a goal down early on after Lacroix’s header, and were unable to find their attacking rhythm. 

United had chances to equalise, with Casemiro squandering a chance from a header before Bruno Fernandes forced Dean Henderson into action from a free kick.

The game’s pivotal moment arrived ten minutes into the second half, when Lacroix pulled down Matheus Cunha just inside the area, with the Frenchman being shown a red card after a lengthy VAR review.

It was soft, but still the correct decision, and Bruno Fernandes stepped up to pull United level. 

From there, they pressed for a second, which eventually came through Benjamin Sesko, scoring a towering header after a superb ball in from Fernandes.

That assist sees Fernandes join an exclusive list alongside Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, as only the third player to reach 100 goals and 100 assists for Manchester United.

The captain gave some interesting insight following the match, saying, “We struggle a lot by playing just one game a week. At least I did. And I’m pretty sure also the players that have played less, because you have less games, it’s more difficult to rotate.

“I think everyone needs to have a chance to play. But obviously, when you have a game every week, it’s difficult for the manager to make a lot of changes and give a lot of opportunities. And when you play in Europe and with the amount of games you have to play, it gets important for the squad to understand that everyone is very important.”

In theory, playing a game a week should see the players well-rested and ready to go, but the last two games have shown that a prolonged break can disrupt match sharpness and make it difficult for fringe players to come in and make an impact.

United’s biggest motivator for the remainder of the season is now qualifying for Europe, and with Aston Villa dropping points on Friday and playing Chelsea on Wednesday night, there could be further opportunities to strengthen their hold on a Champions League position.

Admittedly, performances have dropped since the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, but United are showing they are capable of getting results, even when they aren’t at their best. 

Although they will be mindful to begin the games with greater intensity.

The Reds next take on Newcastle and Aston Villa, two sides that have struggled in recent weeks. 

Eddie Howe’s side are always fired up to face United at St James Park, whereas Villa will know a defeat could see them drop further away from Carrick’s side.

But, with United out of the FA Cup, they will have another extended break between those two games. 

Hopefully, they can rethink their schedule and ensure they come into that game against Villa ready to go.

At the time of writing, United’s game against Newcastle has not taken place, although after Liverpool’s defeat at Wolves on Tuesday night, there is another opportunity to move further ahead of a Champions League rival.

With the league being so congested, Carrick’s arrival and subsequent turn in form have seen United shoot up the table. 

The main aim now is to maintain that form until the end of the season.