The Premier League season of 2025–26 has reached a fever pitch, and following Manchester United’s gritty 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford today, March 1, 2026, all eyes were on the post-match analysis.
While the headlines focused on the Red Devils climbing to third in the table, it was Thierry Henry’s glowing assessment of one particular star that set social media ablaze.
The Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit didn’t hold back, identifying the catalyst behind United’s ten-game unbeaten run under Michael Carrick.
The Verdict: “He is Different”
Speaking on the post-match panel, Henry was asked about the impact of United’s winning goalscorer, Benjamin Šeško. The Slovenian striker, who has been in scintillating form since the turn of the year, proved to be the difference-maker yet again with a powerful 65th-minute header.
> “I won’t lie, what he brings to this team is different,” Henry remarked. “It’s not just the goals; it’s the profile. He has the size, the pace, and that ‘nasty’ streak you need in the box. If he continues like this, he will definitely end up winning the Premier League Player of the Season.”
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Henry highlighted that Šeško’s arrival in the starting XI today—replacing Amad Diallo—changed the entire gravity of the United attack. His ability to separate from defenders, as seen when he leaped over Palace’s Maxence Lacroix for the winner, reminded Henry of the classic “complete” strikers of the past.
Match Breakdown: A Tale of Two Halves
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Crystal Palace took a shock lead in the 4th minute through Maxence Lacroix, catching Leny Yoro off-guard. United looked lethargic for much of the first half, struggling to break down Oliver Glasner’s disciplined low block.
The tide turned in the 56th minute when Lacroix went from hero to villain, receiving a red card for a desperate foul in the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to coolly dispatch the penalty, leveling the score and setting the stage for Šeško’s heroics just nine minutes later.
Key Performance Stats
| Player | Impact | Note |
|—|—|—|
| Benjamin Šeško | 1 Goal (Winner) | 4 goals in his last 5 games. |
| Bruno Fernandes | 1 Goal, 1 Assist | Masterclass in the second half. |
| Maxence Lacroix | 1 Goal, 1 Red Card | The turning point of the match. |
| Leny Yoro | Defensive Pivot | Recovered well after an early error. |
The “Carrick Effect”
Under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, Manchester United has transformed into a resilient “points machine.” Since taking over, Carrick has secured 16 points from a possible 18. Henry noted that the tactical discipline Carrick has instilled allows players like Šeško and Fernandes the freedom to exploit the final third.
With United now sitting comfortably in third, leapfrogging Aston Villa and putting pressure on Manchester City, the race for individual honors is also heating up. If Henry’s prediction holds true, Benjamin Šeško might not just be leading United back to the Champions League—he might be clearing a spot on his mantelpiece for the Golden Ball.
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