Player ratings: Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford continue their fine form as United beat Palace
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Manchester United held on in spectacular fashion to earn a vital victory over Crystal Palace and cement their position in the top four.
It came despite Brazil midfielder Casemiro being sent off for putting his hands to the throat of Palace’s Will Hughes during a massive brawl between the two groups of players.
That left United holding on with 10 men and Jeffrey Schlupp halved the deficit to 2-1 soon after to set up a grandstand finish.
Earlier, a Bruno Fernandes penalty and another Marcus Rashford goal had put United in control of the match.
Chris Wheeler provides the Old Trafford ratings and Adam Shergold the evaluations.
Marcus Rashford continued his goalscoring form as Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace
manchester united
David de Gea – 7
It wasn’t his busiest afternoon by any means, but he made a crucial save late in the first half to deny Jeffrey Schlupp and then Marc Guehi’s header from a corner. As much as Ten Hag’s United enjoy greater control over games, they are almost always in their goalkeeper’s debt.
Aaron Wan Bissaka – 6.5
He was enjoying a positive attacking game against his former club, combining well with Antony on the right and getting ahead at every opportunity. But in the last 20 minutes, when United had to hold on, his tackling skills came to the fore.
Rafael Varane – 7
In previous seasons United would have collapsed in those final minutes. Not this time. Varane is a huge factor in that turnaround and after a week in which he stepped down from his duties in France, he kept his cool and composure in those frantic final minutes to guide United home. The crowd also responded to his encouragement.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
The best player in the park. He kept Ayew and the others quiet and then dumped his body on the line repeatedly during the late attack, ensuring Palace couldn’t create any chances that could have led to a draw. Another one that celebrates every block and clear with punches and chest shots, and the fans love it.
Lisandro Martínez shone for the hosts, delivering a complete performance from the center of defence.
luke shaw – 7
He kept an eye out for Michael Olise, who was Palace’s main threat and the man who denied United two points at Selhurst Park. He stepped up at every opportunity and played a big part in Rashford’s second goal.
Casemiro – 5
He wasn’t having his best evening even before the ridiculous rush of blood to his head that saw him raise his hands to Will Hughes’s throat and be thrown out. There is no escape from VAR replays and the Brazilian is too experienced to think otherwise. Now United will miss his influence in the upcoming double with rivals Leeds and the home league game with Leicester. At least they will have it for Barcelona and the final of the Carabao Cup.
After a terrific performance in United’s FA Cup win over Reading, Casemiro struggled before being shown red for his part in a second-half melee.
fred-7
He kept his place in midfield alongside fellow Brazil player Casemiro despite the signing of Marcel Sabitzer and his fighting qualities were much needed at the end. In fact, Fred seemed to boost his energy once his mucker was sent to a bath early. He might even have scored, skimming the outside of the post from a tight angle.
Anthony – 6.5
He teamed up well with Wan-Bissaka on the right from the start, and his inside cut unnerved Palace defenders. One shot appeared to go headlong but was blocked by a teammate. He more direct after the break before being sacrificed for the great late defensive effort.
Bruno Fernandez – 7
A very composed early penalty put United on their way and was a key link in their attacks after that. He needed his leadership in the kill and spent periods trying to encourage his teammates to give a little more as energy levels ran low.
Mark Rashford – 7
Another influential performance from a man who opponents just can’t shut up right now. He won the penalty, his cross hitting Hughes’s hand. He was moved to a more central position when Weghorst was pulled and got his reward by scoring second.
Wout Weghorst was unfortunate enough not to score a first Premier League goal for the hosts, but kept quiet as the game progressed.
Wout Weghorst – 5
It was a shame not to get on the scoreboard with a header in the first half that Vicente Guaita deflected, but that was it. It does offer a point of difference in United’s attack but others shine. As expected, he was the one sacrificed by Garnacho.
substitutions
alejandro garnacho (for Weghorst 59 minutes) – 6.5
Involved in the run up to Rashford’s goal and was always going to fight for impact after sending off. In the end, he replaced Maguire.
Marcel Sabitzer (for Antonio 81 minutes)
United fans got their first glimpse of Marcel Sabitzer when the Austrian midfielder made a late cameo appearance from the bench.
harry maguire (for Garnacho 87mins)
Victor Lindelof (for Wan-Bissaka 87 minutes)
Manager
Erik ten Hag – 7
There is no doubt that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s or Ralf Rangnick’s United would probably have given in to Palace’s latest attack. That United did not do so was testament to the new mentality under Ten Hag. However, given all the talent at his disposal, United must be more ruthless in games like this. His late decisions to shore up defensive subs were justified in the end.
crystal Palace
Vincent Guaita – 7
Sent the wrong way by Fernandes’s penalty and beaten from close range by Rashford, but produced a series of decent saves for the visitors.
Despite being beaten from the penalty spot, Vicente Guaita made several decent saves
Nathaniel Clyne-5.5
He had it all to deal with the emerging Rashford and then Garnacho, but managed to keep United relatively quiet on their left side.
Chris Richards-6.5
Performing well given the form of the attackers in front of him, the US international looks comfortable in Vieira’s side.
Marc Guehi – 6
Solid alongside Richards at the back, he came close to scoring for the Eagles, but was prevented by a great save from De Gea.
Tyrick Mitchell – 6
He struggled to deal with Antonio’s pace and tricks defensively, but tried to use his pace to launch counterattacks going forward.
USA international Chris Richards continued to show his potential as part of the away defense
Cheick Doucoure – 6.5
He provided the assist for Schlupp’s solace in the second half and showed glimpses of his potential before being replaced in the closing stages.
Will Hughes-5
He got an early penalty and then became involved in the drama that led to Casemiro receiving his marching orders, otherwise calm.
Eduardo Odsonne – 6.5
He suffered from a serve foul but still needs to be more clinical in front of goal, having failed to score in his last seven Premier League appearances.
Miguel Olise – 7
He proved to be a threat from set pieces and regularly served as the creator of some of Palace’s best chances.
After playing his part in the altercation, Jeffrey Schlupp scored excellent second-half consolation.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 7
He pushed Antonio who ignited the powder keg that led to the dismissal of Casemiro. He later produced a stunning finisher to keep the visitors’ hopes alive.
Jordan Ayew – 6
He produced more action during the melee of the second half than he did during the rest of the game.
substitutions
Albert Sambi Lokonga (for Hughes 72 minutes) – 6.5
Eberechi Eze (for Ayew 73 minutes) – 6
Naouirou Ahamada (for Doucoure 82mins)
Jean-Philippe Mateta (for Schlupp 83 minutes)
Manager
Patrick Vieira – 6
The Frenchman will no doubt be proud of his team’s resilience and some of the performances, but his failure to convert chances going forward will no doubt leave him lamenting the absence of injured talisman Wilfried Zaha. After a fine run before the World Cup break, Palace are now winless in the Premier League in five games.