Michael Carrick believes Manchester United’s attitude was key to their 2-1 comeback win over 10-man Crystal Palace. The victory lifted them to third in the Premier League.

United started slowly and fell behind in the fourth minute. Maxence Lacroix headed Palace in front. The home side improved as the half wore on, but the game turned after the break.

The decisive moment came when Matheus Cunha spun away from Lacroix. The defender pulled him back as he broke forward. The contact began outside the box but continued inside. Referee Chris Kavanagh paused before pointing to the spot. After a VAR review with Tony Harrington, he also showed Lacroix a red card.

Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way. Eight minutes later, Benjamin Sesko scored his seventh goal in eight games to complete the turnaround. United had trailed at home for the first time since December’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. They have now won six of their last seven matches under Carrick.

“We spoke at half-time about how we react in that position,” Carrick said. “It was about personality and belief.”

“Football is tough and this league is demanding. You won’t always have it your own way. To come back like that and turn the game in our favour is the biggest positive for me.”

United have not been as high as third since May 2023. That season they finished behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Belief is growing that Champions League football could return to Old Trafford next season.

Sesko has played a major role in the revival. He scored only twice in his first 17 appearances for the club. However, he has flourished since netting a brace in the 2-2 draw at Burnley under caretaker boss Darren Fletcher.

Sunday was Sesko’s first start under Carrick. He repaid that faith with another goal.

“We’ve worked closely with him and built trust,” Carrick said. “A lot of the credit goes to Ben. He has worked hard and stayed positive. He knows how he wants to improve and he has great strengths.”

“He’s a real threat. I’m excited about where he can go.”

Palace boss Oliver Glasner was frustrated by the penalty decision. He felt there was more available for his side on the day.

The Austrian accepted the lengthy VAR delay, which lasted more than four minutes. However, he argued the foul should have resulted in a free-kick because the contact began outside the box.

“It doesn’t make it better if VAR takes longer, and it still feels wrong,” Glasner said. “In the end, you have to accept it.”

“For me, it’s not a penalty. Maybe you give a red card for the foul outside the box. That’s the discussion. It’s about where it starts. Maybe it’s a little bit of the Old Trafford bounce.”