Ashley Young believes that David de Gea's crucial save to deny Glenn Murray inspired Manchester United to victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Ashley Young has revealed that David de Gea's second-half save inspired Manchester United to victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

United took the lead in the first half through a Juan Mata penalty, but Alan Pardew's men responded after the break as they drew level from a Jason Puncheon free kick.

The Eagles had a great chance to take the lead when Glenn Murray fired at goal from close range, but De Gea made a standout one-handed save to keep the scores level before Marouane Fellaini headed Louis van Gaal's side to victory.

Young told the club's official website: "He's been making save after save for us and that one today was vitally important. Maybe that spurred us on to get the winning goal. It was fantastic and I thanked him after the game.

"We went in 1-0 up and we knew they were going to come out in the second half and put us under pressure. They did that for pretty much the whole of the second half. We had to dig deep and defend as team, and that's exactly what we've done.

"The team spirit, the character that we've got to keep ourselves going. The big man [Fellaini] got himself in the box and got on the end of one of our crosses. We're delighted to get that goal. Everybody was celebrating together and I think the bench went crazy as well. After the game, the scenes in the dressing room were fantastic."

United are fourth in the Premier League, seven points clear of Liverpool in the race for the final Champions League place for next season.