Manchester United have returned to winning ways in the Premier League and after having a nine-game winning run put to an end by Crystal Palace last month, the Reds have now won four on the bounce after defeating Patrick Vieira’s Eagles at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s men came out of the blocks flying and were awarded a penalty after just five minutes, which Bruno Fernandes expertly dispatched to give United the lead.
The game was comfortably controlled up until roughly the hour mark, with Marcus Rashford putting the finishing touch on a lovely move to double the lead.
Not long after, some scruff led to the controversial dismissal of Casemiro. Referee Andre Marriner did not need much convincing from his assistants before he decided to send the Brazil international off. In replays, Casemiro is seen trying to shield Will Hughes from a developing fight. His reward was a three-game ban.
Despite a late scare, United held on to secure three points and move six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Man United Player Ratings
David de Gea – 7
Made a stunning save shortly before Palace’s goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
A decent performance against his boyhood club.
Raphael Varane – 9
The second best defender in the Premier League. The best just happens to be his team-mate.
Lisandro Martinez – 10
What a performance. We’re running out of superlatives to describe him. Quite comfortably the best in his position.
Luke Shaw – 8
Assisted the decisive winner and thwarted Michael Olise well in the closing moments.
Casemiro – 8
Hard to put any blame on him for that red card. It exposes the flaws in refereeing more than anything.
Fred – 9
Prior to the game, he had been talking about how he knows he isn’t United’s star and how he likes being the ‘piano carrier’. He was exactly that against Palace. What a performance.
Antony – 7
Improving with each passing game.
Bruno Fernandes – 9
World-class footballer does world-class things on a football pitch.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Once again the man who provides the finishing touch and delivers the goods. 11 goals in his last 13 games.
Wout Weghorst – 6
Very good in the link-up play and presses well.
