Marouane Fellaini scores a second half winner against Crystal Palace to Manchester United within a win of qualifying for next years Champions League.
Ashley Young played a part in both United goals in which the winger won a first-half penalty when Scott Dann handled his cross.
Juan Mata scored from the spot before Jason Puncheon levelled for the hosts with a deflected free-kick early in the second half.
Fellaini headed in the winner 12 minutes from the end.
United needed David De Gea to pull off a number of good saves to hold of a long period of Palace pressure, but the side once again showed their character away from home as they picked up a much needed three points.
Liverpool are now the only team that can catch United for the fourth and final Champions League place, but they will give up that place if they fail to win at the Bridge against the newly crowned champions Chelsea on Sunday.
Ashley had a rare strong performance today, which was needed as his place in the team looks in doubt with the announcement that Memphis Depay would be joining the club in the summer
He presented Mata with an opportunity to open the scoring when his cross was handled by Dann. The Palace defender leaned into the ball as he misjudged the flight.
That was the only real positive of the first half for the visitors as they lost Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney to injuries in the first half.
Palace had their Premier League safety secured before going into the game and will be encouraged by their teams performance in the second half as they prepare for next season.
For United, De Gea was once again a big influence but Van Gaal will have to buy in the summer if the squad is going to chase the title and play in Europe next season.
Today’s Man of the Match was Ashley Young. The Englishman provided two big assists to help Manchester United pick up the win.
Photo by: Kevin Quigley/Getty Images
