Not Fernandes or Sesko: Glasner concedes Man Utd ace did something ‘very smart’ that completely changed the game

Oliver Glasner singled out Matheus Cunha for his game-changing impact in his side’s trip to Old Trafford.Although the Crystal Palace boss disagreed with Chris Kavanagh’s decision to award a penalty (and subsequent red card following a VAR check) for Maxence Lacroix’s foul on Cunha, Glasner did concede that the Manchester United star played the situation to his advantage.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhat Glasner had to say about Cunha(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)He told reporters post-match: “The red card changed the game completely. I think it’s a very hard decision. The foul starts outside the box. Matheus Cunha is very smart to wait until he is inside the box and falls down.” Glasner: ‘There are a few different situations to judge but it still feels it’s the wrong decision. It’s not a penalty, maybe a red card for a foul outside the box. But the foul starts outside the box. It’s maybe a little bit the Old Trafford bounce.’ #mufc — Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) March 1, 2026Indeed, it was that passage of play that turned the contest on its head for both sides.United were gifted an opportunity to level the clash, while Palace had to navigate the remaining half hour with just 10 men.After Fernandes converted his spot-kick, the hosts’ sustained pressure culminated with United completing a full turnaround as the skipper delivered a sensational pass into the area, which was headed home by the in-form Benjamin Sesko. WATCH: Our skipper draws us level 🤩 Another goal and assist (his 100th for United 🤯) for Bruno Fernandes this afternoon. Unplayable once again 🙌🏻🌟 [🎥 florencefloridaa on IG] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/SKvonadqrt — Stretty News (@StrettyNews) March 1, 2026His contribution would end up being the match-winner, ensuring United took their chance to move up to third in the aftermath of Aston Villa’s loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.United continue stunning run under Michael Carrick(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Under Michael Carrick’s reign, the side remain unbeaten, and have now won six of their seven matches played.Such form will undoubtedly have INEOS mulling over the prospect of appointing him long-term, especially considering his reputation with the United faithful and the backing they’d give him.Ironically, the man on the other side of the dugout has also been brought up in conversations regarding the club’s managerial search.Oiver Glasner has already confirmed he’ll be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the term when his contract expires, but it’s safe to say he’s not among the fans’ favoured candidates.