Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernandes described Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace as a “big result” after his side showed resilience to turn the game around at Old Trafford.
United fell behind as early as the fourth minute when Palace defender Maxence Lacroix powered home a header from a Brennan Johnson corner, outmuscling Leny Yoro to give the visitors the lead.
The game, however, shifted dramatically in the 56th minute when Lacroix fouled Matheus Cunha inside the box. Following a VAR review for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the defender was shown a straight red card.
Fernandes calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the scores before turning provider eight minutes later, delivering a precise cross for Benjamin Šeško to head home the winner — his seventh goal in eight matches.
Speaking after the match, Fernandes admitted the victory carried extra weight.
“No, it feels like a big result. Obviously, we were behind. We had to show some character. In the second half, we were more brave with the ball and also with the pressing.
In the first half, we couldn’t find many spaces. We were a little bit slow with the ball. But it’s a very important win ; another three points, and that’s the aim.
On the red card decision, Fernandes revealed the referee had immediately confirmed the penalty but needed clarity on the dismissal.
He was just waiting to understand if it was a red card because he told me straight away that the penalty was confirmed.
When it’s a push or pull and no intention to go for the ball, and it’s last man, it’s a red card. He just needed to understand if Matheus was in control of the ball.
Fernandes also praised Šeško’s growing confidence but insisted the young striker still has more to offer.
“He’s a very good player. He just wanted to find his confidence back.
He’s never happy with just a goal ; that’s very important at this club. When you relax too much, you go the wrong path.
Everyone is very happy with his progress and hopefully he scores even more before the end of the season.
The United skipper concluded by urging his teammates not to get carried away, stressing that consistency will be key in the race for a top-three finish.
It gives us a chance to get closer to third place now. But there are a lot of games to go.
We can’t feel like we are already where we want to be. We need to make as many points as we can.
The result strengthens United’s push up the table and if Fernandes’ words are anything to go by, belief is steadily growing inside the dressing room.
