Manchester United have squeezed past Crystal Palace 1-0 in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Old Trafford, thanks to Juan Mata's goal in the second half.
© Getty Images
The hosts had the brighter start as Robin van Persie played a ball to Adnan Januzaj around 30 yards out after two minutes played, but the Belgian's curling effort flew over the Eagles crossbar.
Palace held their colour well in the early stages, with Julian Speroni required to pull off no more than a routine save against Angel di Maria in the 12th minute.
Midway through the first half, United split the visitors' defence wide open as Van Persie drilled a low cross into the area, and despite Speroni finding himself beaten, Marouane Chamakh did well to clear the danger.
As the game ticked on, Louis van Gaal's charges kept plugging away at the Eagles defence, with Wayne Rooney curling over from 20 yards, before Luke Shaw's marauding run down the flank was tamely finished off with an effort that hit the side-netting.
© Getty Images
Despite being under the cosh, Palace had good chances of their own late on when Yannick Bolasie's cross was nearly diverted into the United net by Shaw, while Fraizer Campbell wasted a good chance when clean through on goal against David de Gea.
In the 53rd minute, Rooney attempted an audacious shot from 20 yards out that left Speroni scrambling the ball, but it bobbled just wide.
Both sides continued to trade chances at an even pacing, with Adrian Mariappa forcing a good save from De Gea and Marouane Fellaini's shot having to be cleared off the line, while in the 67th minute, Bolasie skewed a half-volley to let the Red Devils off the hook.
© Getty Images
Palace would come to rue that miss, because the hosts broke the deadlock moments later, substitute Mata blasting a powerful shot which squirmed through the hands of the Palace goalkeeper.
The visitors did not give up thereafter, with Campbell's effort in the 80th minute requiring a desperate Michael Carrick clearance over the bar.
However, the Red Devils very nearly doubled their lead when Van Persie's shot was saved six minutes from time, before the rebound fell to Mata, who then struck the post.
Giuseppe Labellarte
