Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace: Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford seal win despite Casemiro red card

Ten-men Manchester United held on for victory over Crystal Palace after Casemiro was sent off for foul play in the second half.

United took an early lead through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty after Marcus Rashford’s cross struck Will Hughes’ arm which Andre Marriner gave after a VAR review.

Rashford added a second early in the second half when he side-footed home Luke Shaw’s low cross but a VAR decision went against United 20 minutes from time when the referee sent Casemiro off for grabbed Hughes around the neck during a skirmish involving most players.

Jeffrey Schlupp brought Palace back into the game with a clever flick with the outside of his boot but, despite much Palace pressure in the closing stages, United held on for all the three points.

The win brings United within eight points of leaders Arsenal, while Palace remain in 12th place.

TALKING POINT

The downside of Casemiro – He has been a fantastic addition to the United side making a mockery of Graeme Souness’ description of him as a ‘Steady Eddie’. If only he was a little steadier. He has given the Red Devils a giant, physical presence in midfield they have not had since the days of Norman Whiteside and Bryan Robson terrifying opposition in the 1980s. Indeed, the Brazilian’s actions in the second half would not have seen a referee bat an eyelid forty years ago but his over-reaction to the scuffle on the side of the field could be costly for his side as he will now miss three matches. Erik Ten Hag will certainly be pleased he brought in Marcel Sabitzer who will need to be drawn into crucial action earlier than he could have expected.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace) – For much of his career he has played as a full back, often not a first-choice one at that, but now he looks an incredibly accomplished midfielder. All Palace’s big moves seemed to come from his clever play and with better forward craft in front of him Patrick Vieira’s side would have surely got something out of the game. David De Gea did well to deny him a goal from 30 yards in the first half but could do nothing to prevent his clever goal later in the game.

PLAYER RATINGS

Manchester United: De Gea 7; Wan-Bissaka 7, Varane 6, Martinez 7, Shaw 7; Casemiro 5, Fred 6; Antony 6, Bruno Fernandes 7, Rashford 7; Weghorst 6.

Subs: Garnacho 7, Sabitzer 6, Lindelof 6, Maguire 6.

Crystal Palace: Guaita 7; Clyne 6, Richards 7, Guehi 7, Mitchell 6; Doucoure 6, Hughes 6, Schlupp 8*; Olise 7, Ayew 5; Eduoard 5

Subs: Eze 7, Lokonga 6, Ahamada 6, Mateta 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

5′ RASHFORD’S CENTRE STRIKES HUGHES’ ARM! It was above his head. This is likely to be a penalty. The referee is checking the VAR….PENALTY! The referee points to the spot.

7′ GOAL FOR UNITED! Fernandes waited for the keeper to move and then slid the ball into the other side of the goal.

13 GREAT SAVE FROM GUAITA! Weghorst’s header from Fernandes’ corner required the Palace keeper to dive high to his right to paw the ball away.

43′ GREAT EFFORT FROM SCHLUPP! He struck a beautiful low swerving drive directed just inside the post but De Gea was down to push the ball away.

62′ GOAL FOR UNITED! It’s Rashford. Of course it’s Rashford! Shaw played a perfect low cross from the left hand side after good play from Garnacho and the striker just slotted the cross home easily.

69′ COULD BE RED CARD FOR CASEMIRO! The referee having a look at the screen now. He had his hands around the neck of Hughes for a good few seconds.

70′ CASEMIRO SENT OFF! He has played so well for United but this indiscipline could cost United this season.

76′ GOAL FOR PALACE! Doucoure puts a corner back across the area and Schlupp with an impudent flick of the outside of his left foot into the roof of the net.

KEY STAT

• 1 – This was Casemiro’s firs red card since moving to Europe from Sao Paulo.