100% aerial duels, 100% long balls, 4 clearances, 4 recoveries: United titan delivered a colossal performance in 2-1 Palace win

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire delivered a colossal display to help his side to a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace.

Unbeaten run continues

United made it seven games unbeaten under Michael Carrick as they came back from behind to clinch all three points against Palace.

The Eagles started as the much better side, sustaining spells of possession and limiting United to rare forays into their territory. Maxence Lacroix gave the visitors the lead after just four minutes, shaking off Leny Yoro to head the ball into the back of the net.

There was a period of uncertainty for United following the goal, but they grew in composure as the half progressed and gradually asserted themselves again.

Carrick’s men came out all guns blazing after the break and finally got their reward shortly before the hour-mark. United were awarded a penalty after Lacroix was judged to have brought down Cunha inside the danger area. The Frenchman was also given his marching orders after a lengthy VAR check.

Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the spot-kick, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way.

Fernandes then turned provider shortly after, delivering an incredible ball to in-form striker Benjamin Sesko, who met it with a bullet header to emphatically finish.

The two goals were all United needed to run out winners and jump into third place, behind league leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City.

Beyond the goalscorers, Maguire also put up an impressive showing as he once again slotted next to Leny Yoro in the absence of the injured Lisandro Martinez.

Maguire’s performance

During the time he was on the pitch before his late substitution, Maguire won 100 of the aerial duels he contested. Such was his dominance in the air.

He was amazing on the ball, completing 100% of the long passes he pinged. He also managed an individual pass accuracy of 97%. Two of his passes were delivered into the final third.

The England international touched the ball 72 times and contributed four clearances and as many recoveries. He also blocked one shot and no Palace player was able to dribble past him.

Harry Maguire’s game by numbers vs. Crystal Palace:

100% aerial duels won
100% long pass accuracy
97% pass accuracy
72 touches
4 clearances
4 recoveries
2 passes into the final third
1 block
0 x dribbled past

Another top performance. pic.twitter.com/IQcAgIdFs8

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 1, 2026

It was another statement game for the 32-year-old, who has kicked up another level under Carrick. He appeared to have picked up a knock, as he was spotted talking to medical staff before he went down the tunnel immediately after his withdrawal.

Hopefully it’s nothing serious and he is available for Wednesday’s game with Newcastle.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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