Report, reaction, highlights: United 2 Crystal Palace 1

The visitors capitalised on a slow start by Michael Carrick's side, going in front through Maxence Lacroix and leading at the break, but the Eagles defender was sent off for a foul on Matheus Cunha that changed the complexion of the game.

After a delay for VAR to assess the situation, Bruno Fernandes stroked in the penalty, awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh, and the skipper then crossed superbly for Sesko to power a header past the outstanding Dean Henderson.

Only a string of saves by the former Red kept the outcome in any doubt until the final whistle, as the three points move the Reds up to third in the Premier League table.

FIRST HALF - FLAT REDS BEHIND

After being turned around to attack the Stretford End, it proved to be a difficult start for United. Jorgen Strand Larsen miscued the opening shot well wide before a poor kick out by Henderson was returned instantly by Fernandes, but only with a weak attempt that rolled to the grateful keeper.

Strand Larsen was in space to try a scorpion kick but, as he missed the ball, it ran for a corner. Brennan Johnson floated it over and Lacroix, who scored in Europe in midweek, evaded Leny Yoro to head in off the far post, to stun Old Trafford.

The fourth-minute goal failed to prove a wake-up call as Ismaila Sarr was only denied a second when Senne Lammens saved his shot, and a lack of rhythm in our play was not helped by Luke Shaw failing to shrug off a knock sustained in a challenge by Daniel Munoz.

Noussair Mazraoui replaced Shaw at left-back and our first corner, provided by Bryan Mbeumo on the half-hour mark, was headed goalwards by Harry Maguire, but hit Sarr and bounced out.

It was a sign that we could start hunting an equaliser but Mazraoui got in a muddle with Cunha, when, ultimately, having a shot blocked from a pass by Mbeumo. Fernandes then properly worked Henderson for the first time with a free-kick that was tipped over by the flying former Red.

Seconds later, our skipper was felled by Daichi Kamada, who was already on a booking, and then swung the set-piece in for Casemiro, who nodded a clear opening off target.

Palace comfortably survived three minutes of stoppage time to retain the lead heading into the interval.

SECOND HALF - THE RUN CONTINUES

Whatever head coach Carrick said to his troops at half-time, it soon had an impact.

Mbeumo made a surge into the box that led to Sesko firing in a drive that cannoned off Jaydee Canvot for a corner. Casemiro then headed Diogo Dalot's cross wide, and was hurt in the process, but the momentum was clearly beginning to lean our way.

Henderson's caution for timewasting was illustrative of Palace's intentions at this point but Strand Larsen did offer a threat by flashing a Tyrick Mitchell centre off target.

A pivotal moment occurred in the 52nd minute. Cunha was pulled down by Lacroix, who tugged at his shoulder. Referee Kavanagh pointed to the spot, after deliberation, but there was then a lengthy VAR check, presumably to judge whether the offence was definitely inside the box and the denial of a goalscoring opportunity. After Kavanagh was sent to the monitor, he showed the centre-back a red card.

Fernandes kept his cool to send Henderson the wrong way from the spot and level the scores at 1-1, exploding with joy in front of his adoring supporters.

The Eagles looked to respond when the lively Sarr tried his luck but had a shot well held by Lammens, with Fernandes swiftly replying by skipping an effort wide.

From our next attack, Fernandes swung in a delightful cross that was met by a quite brilliant header from Sesko, who beat Canvot to the ball and continued his scoring run in style.

Henderson was determined to keep his side in the game, producing saves to deny Cunha and, most impressively, Casemiro, when the Brazilian looked sure to convert Mbeumo's ball in.

The England international made further stops to frustrate substitute Amad, who replaced Sesko, and Cunha, as the Londoners remained in striking distance, a point emphasised by Mitchell thrashing a speculative drive over the top.

Henderson saved his best till last, brilliantly pushing away an Amad piledriver, while Joshua Zirkzee had a couple of shots blocked and Kobbie Mainoo fired wide.

It ended 2-1 to the Reds, as we head to Newcastle United in midweek, looking to keep this unbeaten run going.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire (Heaven 85), Shaw (Mazraoui 24); Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo (Zirkzee 85), Fernandes (c), Cunha; Sesko (Amad 75).

Subs not used: Bayindir, Malacia, T. Fletcher, Moorhouse, Ugarte.

Scorers: Fernandes 57 (pen), Sesko 65.

Booked: Dalot, Heaven.

Palace: Henderson (c); Canvot, Lacroix, Mitchell, Munoz, Richards; Kamada (Pino 85), Wharton (Hughes 68); Johnson (Guessand 58), Sarr; Strand Larsen (Riad 58).

Subs not used: Benitez, Clyne, Sosa, Devenny, Uche.

Scorer: Lacroix 4.

Booked: Kamada, Henderson.

Sent off: Lacroix.