Bruno Fernandes singles out Man Utd teammate after Crystal Palace win | Football

Bruno Fernandes described Manchester United’s comeback win over Crystal Palace as a ‘big result’ and heaped praise on in-form striker Benjamin Sesko.

Palace were on course for a third straight win at Old Trafford when Maxence Lacroix, who scored Palace’s early opener, was sent off for a foul on Matheus Cunha.

Fernandes slotted home the resulting penalty and Sesko continued his brilliant form with United’s winner on the hour mark.

The victory leaves Manchester United third in the Premier League and in good shape to qualify for next season’s Champions League with ten games remaining.

‘It feels like a big result, we were behind and had to show some character,’ Fernandes told Sky Sports. ‘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 Manchester United’s £74m signing Sesko, who has seven goals in his last eight appearances, Fernandes added: ‘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.’

Fernandes was seen talking to former Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson after the game.

‘I worked with him, I was with him when he had the spell at Forest,’ said Fernandes.

‘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!’

On Lacroix’s controversial red card, Fernandes continued: ‘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.’

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, meanwhile, said: ‘It is decisive when you are 1-0 up and then concede a penalty and then have one player less.

‘The foul was outside the box and the foul should be given where it starts, not where it ends. Matheus Cunha was very clever.

‘We tried everything to get the equaliser and we were in good situations four or five times. The performances were not that bad.

‘We’re not that efficient and that ruthless in attack. The way the team is fighting, even here under difficult circumstances, gives me faith until the end of the season.’

Manchester United, who have now won seven of Michael Carrick’s eight games in charge, return to action on Wednesday against Newcastle United.

Crystal Palace, still 14th in the Premier League, ten points above the relegation zone, face a London derby against struggling Tottenham on Thursday.

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