Bruno Fernandes has proven that Manchester United's previous intention to sell him was a 'crazy' decision.

Looking back, Manchester United's willingness to part with Bruno Fernandes last summer seems like a decision lacking sound judgment. His decisive display in the recent match against Crystal Palace further proves the point.

Known for his composure both as a player and now as Manchester United's head coach, Michael Carrick rarely shows haste. However, at Old Trafford last weekend, he had to make a quick exit down the tunnel as the first half concluded.

Trailing 0-1 was a situation Carrick had not faced during his near-perfect tenure so far. It forced him to make necessary adjustments.

"This was the first time we found ourselves behind at halftime. It was a new challenge," Carrick shared. "We only made slight tweaks to the structure and ideas, nothing major. The players responded very well."

In this match, Carrick faced Oliver Glasner, a name once considered for the hot seat at Old Trafford. Once again, Carrick provided the correct answers.

Manchester United started shakily and conceded in the 5th minute from a Maxence Lacroix header. The home side looked lost throughout the first half, though Fernandes tried to lift spirits with dangerous set-pieces.

The turning point came in the 53rd minute. Fernandes played a through ball to release Matheus Cunha, forcing Lacroix to pull him back in the box. After consulting VAR, referee Chris Kavanagh awarded United a penalty and sent off the Palace defender.

Glasner bitterly called it the "Old Trafford bonus," arguing the foul began outside the area. But Fernandes insisted: "When it's a pull with no intent to play the ball, it has to be a red card."

From the penalty spot, Fernandes beat his former teammate Dean Henderson to equalize 1-1. Just eight minutes later, he made another decisive contribution. A precise cross from the United captain found Benjamin Sesko, who rose to head home the winning 2-1 goal.

With this goal and assist, Fernandes became the third Manchester United player in the Premier League era to reach 100 goals and 100 assists, following Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

If Manchester United secures a UEFA Champions League spot for next season, few will have contributed more than the Portuguese midfielder.

It's hard to imagine where United would be without him. Fernandes once admitted he was "hurt" when the club was willing to sell him to Al-Hilal last summer. In hindsight, even considering that move was clearly madness.

After the upcoming World Cup, Fernandes's future will undoubtedly be scrutinized again, especially with United aiming to reduce their wage bill. But if there's one thing the win over Palace proved, it's this: United cannot be without their 31-year-old leader.

This victory marks the 6th win in Carrick's 7-game unbeaten run, lifting United to 3rd place. They will travel to face Newcastle United midweek with a Champions League spot within reach.

Carrick indicated he might continue to rotate the squad, but the faith in him is immense. And with a Bruno Fernandes in peak form, every dream has a foundation to become reality.

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