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Marouane Fellaini’s late winner inched Manchester United closer to a return to the Champions League as the visitors arrested their three-game losing run by beating Crystal Palace. The Red Devils took the lead in the first half as Juan Mata scored from the spot after Scott Dann handled Ashley Young’s cross. Second half substitute Jason Puncheon levelled the score with a deflected free-kick past David De Gea for him to concede a goal in that fashion for the second week running. Fellaini then scored from another cross from Young on his 50th appearance for United to put the Red Devils seven points clear at fourth place.Here are the major talking points from the game.
#1 De Gea to the rescue again
Whether you are challenging for the title or fighting to stay in the league, you need a good goal keeper. And while De Gea proved his worth thanks to a couple of crucial saves, Julian Speroni made a mess of a hopeful cross and gifted United the win.
The amount of times, the Spaniard has come to United's rescues has simply been astonishing and yet time and again the 24-year-old has shown just why he is one of the best keepers in the world. At Selhurst Park, he was having an ongoing duel with Palace striker Glen Murray and emerged victorious thanks to two sublime saves, one with his right hand and the other with his feet, when it looked as though he was beaten all ends up.
The confidence with which De Gea came for crosses is a sign of how far he has and if United are to have any chance of competing for the title, they need to hold onto their Spanish shot-stopper.
#2 Young\'s stock continues to rise
The signing of Memphis Depay, who predominantly plays on the left flank would have put some doubt into Ashley Young's mind as to whether he features in Louis Van Gaal's plans for next season. Instead of sulking or throwing a hissy fit, the Englishman showcased his versatility and created the winner on a night in which he shone as the side's most creative outlet.
Throughout the game, the 29-year-old seemed to have the beating of the Palace right back, who didn't know whether to stick or twist. While his distribution was disappointing on a couple of occasions, he provided the telling cross that led to both the penalty and Fellaini's winner. If Depay's arrival is likely to reduce his appearances next season, it will only be on performances and not on merit as Young has consistently proven his value to the side.
#3 Palace leave it too late
Given how successful West Brom were against United last week by just sitting deep and hitting them on the break, it was natural for Alan Pardew to revert to the same tactics. After going a goal down inside 20 minutes, instead of putting pressure on United, they allowed them to dictate the pace for the rest of the half.
While there is no doubt that the Eagles amped it up in the second half, they were always going to leave themselves with too much to do. If it weren't for a couple of saves from De Gea they might well have won the game. In the end, they paid the price for not giving enough protection to Joel Ward, who was getting beaten far too easily by Young, who played the crucial cross that was buried by Fellaini.
#4 Van Gaal still needs defenders
If Van Gaal needed assurance that the defence needed reinforcement, he got that after the game against Crystal Palace. Despite picking the win that might secure Champions League qualification next season, the game highlighted just how much United need a commanding centre back to lead the defence.
Ever since he came on, Jonny Evans looked like a car crash waiting to happen, Chris Smalling didn't look supremely comfortable coming out of defence with the ball and Phil Jones was shunted to left back following Luke Shaw's injury in the second half. It speaks volumes about the lack of good defenders that Paddy McNair, who only just turned 20 looks the most assured.
Even with the arrival of Depay, United need strengthening, especially in defence.
#5 Injuries just keep on coming
The rat race might just be over. Manchester United might just have clinched their goal for the season and look set for another summer splurge. Yet, there is one thing that Van Gaal must look into before the start of next season.
Injuries to Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw meant that United are on course to finish the season with 100 different injuries to players. While some of it might be down to what happens on the pitch, the number of injuries/illnesses that seems to occur especially in training has been a worrying trend since last year, when the club saw their worst injury crisis in a very long time.
Irrespective of how players United buy, they need to keep them fit and based on the evidence of the last 18 months that is easier said than done.
