Benjamin Sesko (£7.3m) scored the winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
Here are our scouting notes from Old Trafford.
SESKO “A REAL THREAT”
After a slow start to his United career, Sesko is undoubtedly now performing at his best.
He was given a starting spot after the Slovenian’s match-winner at Everton in Gameweek 27 and struck again on Sunday on the way home Bruno Fernandes‘ (£9.9m) excellent delivery.
Sesko has now scored in three consecutive games, taking his tally to six in seven league appearances since Ruben Amorim’s departure.
That’s despite the fact that he only played 297 minutes.
“Absolutely delighted for Ben. It certainly hasn’t been a headache, it hasn’t been a big drama. He’s had a huge impact and made big improvements. It’s a bit of getting used to what it’s like to be here and the feelings and what it means to play. Things that we can sometimes take for granted. He’s keen to do well, he works so hard, it’s an absolute pleasure to work with him. Today he started and it was an absolutely fantastic goal, he brought a We’ve got good flexibility in the top line The players up front can play different roles in the game so there is a lot of flexibility Amad took some time off today but that could change again on Wednesday but it’s good to have those options.
“Building that relationship and that trust is important when you’re trying to help players and the team. That’s up to Ben, he’s put the work in, he’s stayed positive, he knows how he wants to improve, he’s quite clear about that, but he’s a good player, that’s why he’s here. He’s got some great strengths. He’s such a real threat. I’m really excited about where he can get without getting carried away. its infancy, but he is doing fantastic at the moment.” – Michael Carrick on Benjamin Sesko
Amad Diallo (£6.2m) was then dropped to the bench to make way for Sesko, who scored four shots on Sunday, all inside the penalty area.
BRUNO-HAAL
Fernandes had a free kick that went over the bar in the first half Casemiro (£5.6m) shortly afterwards headed his delivery wide.
After the break, however, the points started to flow.
First the Portuguese playmaker sent Dean Henderson (£5.0 million) the wrong way to successfully convert a penalty, before his cross found Sesko in the box.
With four shots, six chances created and, crucially, thirteen points, it was a fantastic all-round performance from United’s chief.
After Sunday’s win, Michael Carrick remains undefeated as United boss. They have also risen above Aston Villa into third place, with a trip to Newcastle United next.
SHAW + MAGUIRE FITNESS LATEST
A limping one Luke Shaw (£4.5 million) had to be withdrawn in the first half Noussair Mazraoui (£4.9m) his replacement.
Harry Maguire (£4.4m) were also forced out late.
In several post-match interviews, Carrick said the illness affected the two defenders, and not something related to injury.
“They just weren’t feeling well, so hopefully they’ll feel better soon.” – Michael Carrick on Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire leaving
“He just wasn’t feeling well. He was sick. We’ll see how he recovers. Hopefully it won’t be too bad.” – Michael Carrick on Luke Shaw
“We’ll see with Harry. Hopefully he’ll be ready by Wednesday.” – Michael Carrick on Harry Maguire
LACROIX BAN
Palace surprisingly took an early lead at Old Trafford Maxence Lacroix (£5.1 million) escaped Leny Yoro (£4.1m) far too easy to go home.
Oliver Glasner seemed to have his approach perfect, with Palace organized at the back and United struggling to find space.
But that all changed just before the hour mark, when Lacroix was sent off (after a VAR review) after withdrawing Matheus Cunha (£8.0 million).
It was seen as a clear scoring opportunity, so Palace will have to make do without the Frenchman in midweek against Tottenham Hotspur.
“One problem in recent weeks is that we have been playing good roles in games, but not consistently for more than 90 minutes. Since Marc we always have to make changes to our back three. [Guehi] left. There is no consistency in the back three.” – Oliver Glasner
Glasner immediately responded by lashing out Jorgen Strand Larsen (£6.2m) for defender Chad Riad (£4.0 million), limiting the Norwegians’ involvement to just 57 minutes.
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