Player ratings: Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford continue their fine form as United beat Palace

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

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

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 penalty set United on their way and he was a key link in their attacks after that. His leadership was needed at the death and he spent periods trying to encourage his team-mates to give a bit more as energy levels drained.

Marcus Rashford – 7

Another influential performance from a man who opponents simply cannot keep quiet at the moment. He won the penalty, his cross hitting the hand of Hughes. Was moved into a more central position when Weghorst was taken off and got his reward by scoring the second.

Wout Weghorst was unlucky not to notch a first Premier League goal for the hosts  but was quiet as the game progressed

Wout Weghorst was unlucky not to notch a first Premier League goal for the hosts  but was quiet as the game progressed

Wout Weghorst – 5

Was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet with a first-half header that Vicente Guaita turned away but that was about it. He does offer a point of difference in United’s attack but others shine. Unsurprising he was the one sacrificed for Garnacho.

Substitutions 

Alejandro Garnacho (for Weghorst 59mins) – 6.5

Involved in the lead-up to Rashford’s goal and was always going to struggle for impact after the sending off. In the end, subbed off for Maguire.

Marcel Sabitzer (for Antony 81mins)

United fans were treated to a first glimpse of Marcel Sabitzer as the Austrian midfielder made a late cameo off the bench

United fans were treated to a first glimpse of Marcel Sabitzer as the Austrian midfielder made a late cameo off the bench

Harry Maguire (for Garnacho 87mins)

Victor Lindelof (for Wan-Bissaka 87mins)

Manager 

Erik ten Hag – 7

There’s no doubt the United of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick probably would have buckled under the late Palace onslaught. That United didn’t was testament to the new mentality under Ten Hag. However, given all the talent at his disposal, United must be more ruthless in games like this. His late decisions to shore up with defensive subs was justified in the end.

Crystal Palace 

Vicente Guaita – 7

Sent the wrong way by Fernandes’ penalty and beaten from close range by Rashford but produced a number of decent saves for the visitors.

Despite being beaten from the penalty spot, Vicente Guaita made several decent saves

Despite being beaten from the penalty spot, Vicente Guaita made several decent saves

Nathaniel Clyne – 5.5

Had it all to do against the surging Rashford and later Garnacho, but managed to keep United relatively quiet on their left-hand side.

Chris Richards – 6.5

Performed well given the form of the attackers in front of him, USA international seems comfortable in Vieira’s side.

Marc Guehi – 6

Solid alongside Richards at the back, came close to scoring for the Eagles but was denied by a great save from De Gea.

Tyrick Mitchell – 6

Struggled to deal with the pace and tricks of Antony defensively but attempted to use his pace to launch counter-attacks going forward.

USA international Chris Richards continued to show his potential as part of the visitors' defence

USA international Chris Richards continued to show his potential as part of the visitors’ defence

Cheick Doucoure – 6.5

Provided the assist for Schlupp’s second-half consolation and showed glimpses of his potential before being replaced in the final stages.

Will Hughes – 5

Gave away an early penalty and then found himself caught up in the drama that led to Casemiro receiving his marching orders, quiet otherwise.

Odsonne Edouard – 6.5

Suffered from a lack of service but still needs to be more clinical in front of goal having not scored in his last seven Premier League appearances.

Michael Olise – 7

Proved to be a threat from set pieces and regularly served as the creator of some of Palace’s better chances.

After playing his part in the fracas, Jeffrey Schlupp notched an excellent second-half consolation

After playing his part in the fracas, Jeffrey Schlupp notched an excellent second-half consolation

Jeffrey Schlupp – 7

Pushed Antony that lit the powder keg leading to Casemiro’s dismissal. Later produced a stunning reactive finish to keep the visitors’ hopes alive.

Jordan Ayew – 6

Produced more action during the second-half melee than he did during the rest of the game.

Substitutions 

Albert Sambi Lokonga (for Hughes 72mins) – 6.5

Eberechi Eze (for Ayew 73mins) – 6

Naouirou Ahamada (for Doucoure 82mins)

Jean-Philippe Mateta (for Schlupp 83mins)

Manager 

Patrick Vieira – 6

The Frenchman will no doubt be proud of his team’s resilience and some of the performances, but their failure to convert chances going forward will no doubt leave him lamenting the absence of injured talisman Wilfried Zaha. After a decent run before the World Cup break, Palace are now without a Premier League win in five games.

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