Manchester United remain unbeaten under Michael Carrick following their latest win against Crystal Palace on Sunday. His side came from behind to beat a spirited Eagles side who were controversially reduced to 10 men in the second half.
Maxence Lacroix gave Palace the lead in just the fourth minute with a fine header. The visitors were the dominant side up until Lacroix’s sending off.
A coming together between Matheus Cunha and Lacroix ended with the United attacker falling to the ground in the box. A lengthy VAR review took place, and eventually referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot and brandished a red card for the Frenchman.
Bruno Fernandes sent Dean Henderson the wrong way from the spot in the 57th minute. The Portuguese playmaker then set Benjamin Sesko up with an excellent cross, which the Slovenian headed home.
Carrick has now overseen six wins and one draw in seven games since replacing Ruben Amorim in early January. The English coach is the frontrunner for a permanent appointment.
| Team Stats | Manchester United | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Shots: | 20 | 9 |
| Shots on target: | 12 | 4 |
| Posession: | 61% | 39% |
| Passes: | 576 | 347 |
| Pass accuracy: | 89% | 80% |
| Fouls: | 13 | 11 |
| Yellow cards: | 2 | 3 |
| Red cards: | 0 | 1 |
| Offsides: | 2 | 1 |
| Corners: | 7 | 1 |
Is a storm coming?
It’s hard to fault the Reds and their turnaround since the change in coach, given they have yet to taste defeat. They are on course for a top-four finish and moved up to third in the Premier League table.
The performances should be a concern, though, as Palace outperformed them throughout the first half. Carrick’s attack was toothless up until the red card, which changed the game and handed the hosts a one-man advantage.
There was a lack of service to Benjamin Sesko, who was finally handed a start after playing a super-sub role in recent months. Matheus Cunha was untidy in possession, and Kobbie Mainoo failed to replicate his impressive showings since he was brought back into the fold by Carrick.
Carrick concerns
This was a largely underwhelming display and the latest, which should be cause for concern despite the result. There were clear issues in the 3-2 win against Fulham in January, and a frustrating performance followed in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
The first 20 minutes against Palace were particularly poor, vulnerable at the back, which allowed Lacroix’s opener. Leny Yoro’s defending for the corner was disastrous, failing to stay with his man as Adam Wharton found the Eagles’ centre-back.
Carrick has very rarely looked worried on the touchline, but that was the case during the first half yesterday. He was seen demanding more from Mainoo and Casemiro as his side were struggling in the middle of the park.
Big summer needed
Carrick has undoubtedly proven he can be the long-term solution for United and guide the Reds into a new era. If INEOS do decide to keep him on, they need to back him with a similar transfer window as last summer’s.
Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha are all living up to expectations, and it bodes well for the future. The focus this summer will be on strengthening the squad ahead of a potential Champions League campaign.
Carrick, if appointed, must be given a say when the transfer chiefs decide on which players to pursue. At least one new midfielder is a priority ahead of Casemiro’s departure.
A new full-back might also be on the agenda, while an experienced frontman to become Sesko’s backup could be beneficial. There are promising signs for this United side, but also problems that need addressing.
