Marcus Rashford continued his post-World Cup scoring streak as Manchester United were reduced to 10 men and survived late Crystal Palace pressure to win the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot when the video assistant referee spotted a Will Hughes handball and United were cruising when Rashford headed home Luke Shaw’s cross in the second half for his 11th goal since his return from Qatar. Made it home in 17 minutes.
But the contest took a dramatic turn when, in the midst of a clash that resulted in both Anthony and Jeffrey Schlip being booked, VAR Tony Harrington saw Casemiro with his hands around Hughes’ neck.
After a pitchside review, referee Andre Marriner sent off the influential Brazilian for violent conduct, prompting an immediate three-match domestic ban.
Schilling halved the deficit almost immediately and amid growing horror around the home area, United ended the game with four central defenders protecting their goal as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were the opening pair. Lisandro Martinez and Rafael Varane were added.
Respective managers Erik ten Hague and Patrick Vieira, who began by laying a wreath in honor of the victims of the 1958 Munich air crash, ended with fourth baseman Joshua Smith and then marched to the center circle for the Mariners. The side set off to score their points. Argued against decisions that went against his team.
United’s 13th consecutive win at Old Trafford moves them up to third in the table, while Palace are 12th.
Rashford and Fred Key for United
With Anthony Martial out through injury, Rashford’s goal production will be crucial for United.
He now has 19 in all competitions and the England international also claimed the assist for the hosts’ opener when his cross was handled by Hughes and Fernandes converted the resulting penalty.
If Rashford’s goals are needed, and with Casemiro now missing two Premier League games in five days against Leeds and the home encounter with Leicester on February 19, Fred is almost as important.
The Brazilian has tended to remain an example of United’s swagger in the transfer market.
He cost £47m in 2018 but has rarely shown anything positive beyond a furious run for a bigger end product.
Yet, as Ten Hague pointed out recently, midfielder Casemiro is a partner for his country “and Brazil are not a bad side”, suggesting the 29-year-old has more potential than he lets on. has produced in almost five of his seasons in the Premier League. .
He has looked a different player in recent times.
Fred still hustles and dribbles but he connects play well, ready to shoot from distance and as he proved when he burst into the box and Wout Weghorst’s cut-back into the Palace goal. Sent to the post from close to wide, it can be a. There is also significant risk within the region.
As he lay deep on his back in injury time and gasped for some air, he pointed to the effort Fred made during a desperate defense that was eventually forced.
Palace poor run continues
It was another day where Palace played well and finished without a reward.
Vieira’s side now have five points from their last eight games, a form that must end if they are to stay out of trouble at the bottom of the table.
Schlupp was excellent. His goal was instinctive and he opened the first half with a neat turn into space.
The absence of Wilfried Zaha with a hamstring injury was not a major setback and David de Gea produced a superb performance to deny captain Mark Geahy and concede Palace’s corner. .
However, while they are undoubtedly a better side to watch than on Roy Hodgson’s day, they are also easier to score against.
They have just five top-flight clean sheets all season and Rashford had the room reserved for what turned out to be the winner considering how close he was to the goal. Amidst his forward fluency, Vieira must not overlook the fundamental art of defence.
