Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata were on target as Manchester United need just one more victory to confirm Champions League qualification.
Manchester Uniteda s 3-match losing spell finally came to an end after Maroune Fellaini netted a second-half winner to secure three points against Crystal Palace. The win takes United seven points ahead of Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside cluba s match against champions Chelsea.
Mata put the Red Devils ahead converting from the spot in the 20th minute. In the second half, Jason Puncheon got one back for the home side to negate Mataa s first-half strike. Puncheon struck from a free-kick with the aid of a slight deflection from Daley Blind. Then it was Fellaini who put Manchester United in front again after heading home a precise cross from Ashley Young.
Louis Van Gaala s side managed to put a bad run past them as they finally found the back of the net as well as the three points after a dry spell of three games. United should be grateful for David De Gea for stepping up and pulling of some great saves yet again this season.
Ashley Young also showed why he is being preferred ahead of record-signing Angel Di Maria as the winger helped win the penalty which Mata converted and the Englishman also set up the winner for Fellaini.
After the game, manager Van Gaal was pleased with his teama s performance and was especially impressed with De Geaa s display.
“We still have to win one point I believe to make sure of Champions League qualification. But we have made a very important step,a Van Gaal said.
“We have worked so hard, the players showed the team spirit is good. I am very proud. When you are fighting like this every week, we are difficult to beat.
“David de Gea has made great saves several times this season, I am very happy he saved from Murray because at the time it could have been 2-1 for Crystal Palace.”
Manchester United have all but sealed Champions League qualification with this victory over Crystal Palace. United have moved seven points ahead of their closest competitor for the fourth spot – Liverpool, who face Chelsea on Sunday. If Liverpool lose the game at the Stamford Bridge, Manchester United will confirm their return to the Champions League. With just two more games left in the league, it seems like Van Gaal has surely brought Manchester United on the right track in his debut season at the club.
