sport news Player ratings: Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford continue their fine form ... trends now
Manchester United clung on in dramatic fashion to earn a vital win over Crystal Palace and consolidate their position within the top four.
It came despite Brazilian midfielder Casemiro being sent off for raising his hands to the throat of Palace’s Will Hughes during a mass bust-up between the two sets of players.
That left United holding on with 10 men and Jeffrey Schlupp halved the deficit to 2-1 shortly afterwards to set up a grandstand finale.
Earlier, a Bruno Fernandes penalty and yet another goal by Marcus Rashford had put United in control of the contest.
Chris Wheeler supplies the ratings from Old Trafford and Adam Shergold the evaluations.
Marcus Rashford continued his goalscoring form as Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace
Manchester United
David de Gea - 7
Not his busiest afternoon by any stretch but made a crucial save at the end of the first-half to deny Jeffrey Schlupp and later Marc Guehi’s header from a corner. As much as Ten Hag’s United enjoy greater control over games, they are almost always still indebted to their keeper.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6.5
Was enjoying a positive, attacking game against his former club, combining well with Antony on the right and getting forward at every opportunity. But in the final 20 minutes plus, when United had to cling on, his tackling skills came to the fore.
Raphael Varane - 7
In previous seasons, United would have crumbled in those final minutes. Not this time. Varane is a huge factor in that shift and after a week in which he gave up France duties, he kept his calm and composure in those frantic final minutes to guide United home. The crowd responded to his encouragement too.
Lisandro Martinez - 8
The best player on the park. Kept Ayew and others quiet and then threw his body on the line repeatedly during the late onslaught, ensuring Palace were unable to create any chances that might have led to an equaliser. Another who celebrates every block and clearance with fist pumps and chest bumps - and the fans love it.
Lisandro Martinez shined for the hosts, providing an all-action performance from the centre of defence
Luke Shaw - 7
Kept a watchful eye on Michael Olise, who was Palace’s main threat and the man who denied United two points at Selhurst Park. Got forward at every opportunity and played a big hand in Rashford’s second goal.
Casemiro - 5
Wasn’t having his best afternoon even before the ridiculous rush of blood to the head that saw him raise his hands to Will Hughes’s throat and get sent off. There’s no escaping the VAR replays and the Brazilian is too experienced to have thought otherwise. Now United will miss his influence in the upcoming double-header with rivals Leeds and the home league game with Leicester. At least they’ll have him for Barcelona and the Carabao Cup final.
After an excellent performance in United's FA Cup win over Reading, Casemiro struggled before seeing red for his part in a second-half melee
Fred - 7
Kept his place in midfield alongside his Brazil mate Casemiro despite the signing of Marcel Sabitzer and his battling qualities were very much needed in the end. In fact, Fred seemed to grow in energy once his mucker had been sent for an early bath. Might even have scored, grazing the outside of the post from a tight angle.
Antony - 6.5
Teamed up well with Wan-Bissaka down the right early on, with his cutting inside troubling Palace’s defenders. One shot appeared to be heading in but was blocked by a team-mate. More direct after the break before being sacrificed for the great late defensive effort.
Bruno Fernandes - 7
A very composed early
