Man United vs Crystal Palace highlights as Rashford goal proves enough after Casemiro red

Man United vs Crystal Palace highlights as Rashford goal proves enough after Casemiro red

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER — Manchester United battled to a 13th consecutive home win in all competitions as they beat Crystal Palace 2-1.

The Red Devils appeared to be easing to victory after Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored in each half to give them a comfortable lead.

However, after Casemiro was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, Jeffrey Schlupp’s instinctive finish got the visitors back in the contest and made for a nervy final quarter of the game at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s men showed good game management to get through more than eight minutes of added time and claim what could prove to be three valuable points.

Man United vs Crystal Palace score

1H 2H Final
Man United 1 2 2
Crystal Palace 0 1 1

Goals:
MAN UNITED — Bruno Fernandes (pen) — 7th min

MAN UNITED — Marcus Rashford — 62nd min

CRYSTAL PALACE — Jeffrey Schlupp — 76th min

Fernandes converted in style from the spot after only seven minutes after a VAR check saw Will Hughes punished for blocking Rashford’s cross with his hand.

United controlled the possession but chances were at a premium against a disciplined Palace defence, who snatched a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture thanks to a brilliant late free-kick from Michael Olise.

Ten Hag made a change in the second half, moving Rashford down the middle as Alejandro Garnacho replaced Wout Weghorst, and the tweak paid off as the teenager was involved in a fine passing sequence that ended with Rashford prodding home Luke Shaw’s cross.

Having had the game under their command, United suddenly handed Palace a lifeline — almost literally — as Casemiro was shown red following a lengthy VAR review. The midfielder was dismissed after putting his hands around the neck of Hughes to keep him away from a melee that was sparked when Schlupp fouled Antony.

Six minutes later, it was Schlupp’s first-time finish in a crowded penalty area that eluded David de Gea and gave Palace a chance of getting another late draw.

However, United showed determination and nous to stop Palace from creating openings, with debutant Marcel Sabitzer putting in a good shift off the bench, as they navigated nearly 10 minutes of additional time to claim maximum points.

What games will Casemiro miss?

Casemiro’s red card was a strange one, coming as it did in the middle of a shoving match between several players, many of whom had hands raised.

It took a long time for VAR to pin down the moment in question, when United’s midfielder put his hands around the throat of Hughes to the side of the main fracas. It was not in itself an aggressive gesture — Hughes, in fact, made little of it at the time — but it was judged by the officials to meet the criteria of violent conduct. Casemiro himself was nonplussed as referee Andre Marriner brandished the card.

Assuming United do not appeal successfully, Casemiro will now be suspended for two league matches against Leeds United, and one against Leicester City. He will be available again for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on February 26, and he’ll also be free to face Barcelona in the Europa League.

Pyrrhic victory for Man United?

United fought desperately hard to get over the line today. Fred and Fernandes dropped to the turf at the final whistle after some determined work off the ball to make up for the missing man, and Rashford had little left in the tank by fulltime.

While Ten Hag will be relieved to have taken all three points, there is a crisis brewing in United’s midfield. With Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek injured, Casemiro’s expected ban has come at a bad time. Facing Leeds with a weary Fred and Fernandes, with Sabitzer as the only other option, is far from ideal, especially as the Red Devils prepare for six games in the next 22 days.

Man United vs Crystal Palace  highlights  as Rashford goal proves enough after Casemiro red
Man United vs Crystal Palace highlights as Rashford goal proves enough after Casemiro red

About Esha Saxena Mandala

Esha Saxena Mandala has extensive experience as a freelance writer, journalist, and content strategist. She has over six years of editorial and inbound marketing expertise and is fascinated with creating wonderful content that is insanely useful and effective.

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