Manchester United fought back from a nervy start to beat 10-man Crystal Palace and go third in the Premier League amid penalty controversy and a contentious red card decision.

Palace were on course for a third straight win at Old Trafford when Maxence Lacroix lost his marker to steer home a thumping shot past the helpless Lammens. Lacroix turned from hero to villain early in the second half after he was judged to have handled Matheus Cunha in the penalty area.

Although the initial contact was outside the penalty box, Lacroix did not let go as the Brazilian forward entered the area.

Cunha then went down and, after being sent to the screen, referee Chris Kavanagh stood by his initial decision to award a penalty – and also sent Lacroix off as the United attacker would have had a goalscoring opportunity.

Bruno Fernandes fired the 57th-minute spot-kick past Dean Henderson to equalise, before turning to provider to Benjamin Sesko put the hosts in front eight minutes later when he powered home a header from Fernandes’ cross.

The Slovenia scoring for the third successive game and took their tally to seven in their past eight matches.Former United goalkeeper Henderson prevented Casemiro from increasing the hosts’ lead with a brilliant reactive save and later also stopped a thunderous effort from substitute Amad Diallo.

The result extends Michael Carrick’s record in charge to six wins and a draw from seven games and takes his side above Aston Villa into third on goal difference.It is the first time United have been as high as third since Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge in 2023.

Palace are 14th in the table, 10 points clear of the relegation zone, and will surely target the Conference League as another piece of silverware and European qualification before boss Oliver Glasner leaves the club this summer.