“Show some character”: United hero opens up on where team struggled vs Palace, lavishes praise on sensational star

Manchester United fought back from a goal down to quell Crystal Palace’s challenge 2-1 at Old Trafford
on Sunday.

It was a disappointing performance in the first half as the Eagles took an early lead and went into the break one goal to the good.

United proved once again that they are the comeback kings, with a superb second-half display aided by a penalty and a red card to Maxence Lacroix.

“It feels like a big result”

Bruno Fernandes reflects on Manchester United’s “very important win” over Crystal Palace pic.twitter.com/7lIOEnKmH8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026

It was all orchestrated by Bruno Fernandes’ brilliance, who explained how difficult the game was during his interview with Sky Sports after the game.

On what United lacked vs Palace

He was honest with his analysis, revealing that the Red Devils put in a far from vintage display, but it is the three points that matter in the end.

However, he urged his teammates to avoid complacency now that the 20-time English league champions are up to third in the Premier League table.

“It feels like a big result, we were behind and had to show some character. We were a little bit slow with the ball but it was a good three points and that is the aim.

“There are a lot of games to go still and it is important that we don’t feel that we are in the position that we need to be. We need to make as many points as we can.”

On the penalty and red card

On the controversy surrounding the penalty, the club captain said, “The referee told me straight away that it was a penalty but he was trying to determine if it was a red card. We know that when it is a push or pull and no intention to go for the ball, it is a red card.”

It must not have been an easy penalty considering it came against his former teammate Dean Henderson, who is known for his penalty-saving prowess.

“I worked with him, I was with him when he had the spell at Forest. He even told me at the end that he wanted to go to the same side as he did last week and save it. Lucky for me, he went to the other side.”

Apart from the equaliser, Bruno Fernandes also supplied the delicious cross that was headed in by Benjamin Sesko for the winner.

Bruno Fernandes praises Sesko

The Portugal international was full of praise for the summer signing. “He’s a very good player, we just wanted to get his confidence. He is a kid that wants to improve.

“He is never just happy with a goal. He is very aware that he needs to score week in, week out for this club. Hopefully he will have more goals between now and the end of the season.”

United return to action on Wednesday, for an away game against Newcastle in what promises to be a humdinger of a contest.

Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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