Benjamin Sesko was Manchester United's matchwinner once again as they came from behind to beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-1 and strengthen their push for a return to the Champions League.
Early Palace Lead
Palace stunned Old Trafford by taking an early lead. In the fourth minute, Maxence Lacroix wriggled free of Lenny Yoro and headed Brennan Johnson's corner back across goal and in off the post. It was the earliest United have conceded this season, and the first time they had trailed in the league at home since the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on December 15.
Shaw Injury Blow
There was another blow for United in the 22nd minute when Luke Shaw, who has started every Premier League match this season, was forced off and replaced by Noussair Mazraoui.
Turning Point
The game then changed when Matheus Cunha spun away from Lacroix, who pulled him to the ground in desperation. After a long VAR check, referee Chris Kavanagh confirmed that Lacroix should see red for pulling back Cunha just outside the box.
Eight minutes later, Bruno Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way.
Sesko Secures Victory
Just eight minutes after drawing level, United were ahead and it was Sesko once again. Fernandes sent in a cross from deep on the right, and Sesko got across Jaydee Canvot to head into the bottom corner.
The Slovenia international, handed his first start under Michael Carrick after becoming something of a super-sub, put United in front with a bullet header in the 65th minute to make six goals in his last seven appearances, his second winning goal of the week after he scored in Monday's 1-0 victory at Everton.
With the extra man, United continued to pepper Henderson's goal and he made excellent saves to keep out a close-range Casemiro volley and a thundering strike from substitute Amad Diallo as Carrick's side eased to yet another win.
Standings Update
Carrick emerged with his own case strengthened further, a sixth win in seven since he took over lifting United up to third place after Aston Villa's surprise defeat to Wolves on Friday night. Palace remain stuck in the bottom half.