Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick faced his biggest test yet against Crystal Palace, trailing at half-time for the first time in his seven-game tenure. The former midfielder challenged his players to respond, asking 'what are we going to do about it?' as they confronted a deficit.

United rallied through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and Benjamin Sesko's header, securing a win that keeps them third in the Premier League - their highest position since the 2022-23 season. Palace manager Oliver Glasner fumed about what he called the 'Old Trafford bonus' after Maxence Lacroix's 56th-minute red card and subsequent penalty.

With seven wins and a draw from nine games overall, Carrick's record equals the joint-best start for any manager in Premier League history. Former assistant referee Darren Cann defended referee Chris Kavanagh's decision to award the penalty and send off Lacroix, stating the foul continued inside the box. As United's powerbrokers deliberate over a permanent appointment, the question emerges: would it be more of a gamble not to give Carrick the job?