Manchester United F.C. climbed to third in the Premier League table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace F.C. at Old Trafford.

Benjamin Sesko, making his first start in seven matches since Michael Carrick took charge, delivered once again with the winning goal to boost United’s hopes of securing a return to the Champions League.

Palace stunned the home crowd early on when Maxence Lacroix overpowered Leny Yoro to head home from Brennan Johnson’s corner, giving the visitors the lead.

However, United responded strongly to remain unbeaten under Carrick, taking 19 points from a possible 21.

The turning point came just before the hour mark when Lacroix was sent off for pulling back Matheus Cunha inside the box, conceding a penalty. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the spot-kick against his former teammate Dean Henderson to draw United level.

Fernandes then turned provider, delivering a pinpoint curling cross that Sesko powered into the net. The Slovenian striker has now scored seven goals in his last eight appearances, silencing critics who questioned his £74 million price tag after a slow start to life in England.

No Tudor Turnaround for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. remain just four points above the relegation zone after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Fulham F.C. at Craven Cottage.

Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi struck to give Fulham a deserved half-time advantage as they climbed to ninth place, reviving their hopes of European qualification next season.

Richarlison headed in a late consolation for Spurs, who remain the only Premier League side yet to record a win in 2026 under interim boss Igor Tudor.

Elsewhere, relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest F.C. fell 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.. Diego Gomez and Danny Welbeck were on target for Brighton, either side of Morgan Gibbs-White’s reply for Forest.

Forest sit just two points above the drop zone ahead of a daunting midweek trip to Manchester City F.C..

Attention now shifts to leaders Arsenal F.C., who face Chelsea F.C. in Sunday’s headline clash. Arsenal’s lead at the top was trimmed to two points after City secured a 1-0 win at Leeds, while Chelsea are also desperate for points as they sit sixth, with only the top five qualifying for next season’s Champions League.