Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace: Fernandes and Rashford stretch winning run as Casemiro sees re

Manchester United had Casemiro sent off but racked up a sixth consecutive Premier League home win as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Palace were on the back foot from the off in Saturday’s game and fell behind to Fernandes’ typically cool penalty inside the opening 10 minutes, before Rashford added a second goal shortly after the hour.

Casemiro was then dismissed following a VAR review after he put his hands around Will Hughes’ neck during an altercation between both sets of players, and Jeffrey Schlupp set up a tense finale with a goal 14 minutes from full-time.

United held on, though, to move three points behind second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand – while Palace remain 12th, six points clear of the relegation zone.

1 – Casemiro’s dismissal was the first straight red card he’s been shown while playing for a club within the big five European leagues (336 apps for Real Madrid and 30 for Manchester United across all competitions). Orders. pic.twitter.com/2zJ5d3mDRK

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 4, 2023

The hosts were rewarded for a bright start in the seventh minute when Fernandes stroked home from the spot after Hughes handled Rashford’s cross – the decision given following a pitchside review by referee Andre Marriner.

Vicente Guaita kept out efforts from Wout Weghorst and Rashford before the half-hour mark, while Fred clipped wide from close range as United threatened to double their advantage.

Rashford was switched into the centre of United’s attack following Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction in place of Weghorst, and the move paid off in the 62nd minute as the in-form England international steered home Luke Shaw’s cross from eight yards.

Casemiro’s red-mist moment handed the initiative to Palace, who reduced the deficit when Schlupp prodded home from a corner, yet United managed to hold on for maximum points.

MARCUS. CAN’T. STOP. SCORING. #MUFC || #MUNCRY pic.twitter.com/js0lxbUs3p

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 4, 2023

What does it mean? United limp over the line to victory

United seemed to be cruising to victory before Schlupp’s barge on Antony set in motion a chain of events that resulted in Casemiro’s red card.

Such was Palace’s domination after that point it looked like the hosts were playing with eight men, yet Ten Hag added steel to the backline through the introductions of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, and they managed to cling on for a win that cements their place in the top four.

Fernandes leads by example

It was far from a vintage display from United, yet Fernandes can hold his head high after another instrumental performance. The Portugal international got them on their way from the spot, while his four key passes ranked him higher than anyone else on the pitch.

Casemiro’s folly

Casemiro put his side under unnecessary pressure in the closing stages when he grabbed Hughes by the throat. His subsequent dismissal was the first straight red card he has been shown while playing for a club in the big five European leagues, across 336 appearances for Real Madrid and 30 for United.

Key Opta facts

– United have won their last 13 home games across all competitions, their longest run at Old Trafford since a run of 20 between December 2010 and September 2011.
– Palace had 10 shots in this match, with eight of these coming after Casemiro’s 70th-minute dismissal.
– Rashford has scored in five consecutive Premier League home games for the first time. He is the first United player to score in five a row at Old Trafford since Anthony Martial in July 2020.
– Fernandes’ opener was his 14th penalty goal in the Premier League, with only Wayne Rooney (20) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (18) netting more from the spot for United. It was the Red Devils’ 173rd penalty taken in Premier League history, the joint-most in the competition (level with Liverpool).

What’s next?

Ten Hag’s side have a Premier League double-header against Leeds United on Wednesday and Sunday, while Palace are next in action on Saturday of next weekend when they host Brighton and Hove Albion.