The Red Devils started the game strongly with Robin van Persie confidently attempting an overhead pick from a Wayne Rooney header, but the Dutchman failed to make contact with the ball.

Robin van Persie of Manchester United attempts an overhead kick on goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2014 © Getty Images

The visitors then had the ball in the net on 17 minutes, but Adnan Januzaj's powerful low finish was ruled out because of a handball from the youngster in the build-up.

David Moyes's side continued to look the stronger team and it took a good header off the line to stop Rooney's cross going all the way in, before Nemanja Vidic headed over shortly after.

Palace rode the pressure and could have gone ahead after 33 minutes. A Thomas Ince cross went all the way through to Marouane Chamakh, who could only pick out the United goalkeeper David de Gea with his header.

Robin Van Persie of Man United celebrates with Juan Mata after scoring from the spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2014 © Getty Images

Chamakh then had a moment of madness and brought down Patrice Evra right on the edge of the box, with Van Persie stepping up to send Julian Speroni the wrong way from the spot for a 60th-minute lead.

It took just eight more minutes for United to double their advantage. Rooney did brilliantly to keep the ball down on the half-volley from an Evra cross to lash it into the opposite corner.

With Palace on the ropes, Van Persie smashed the bar after a fine solo run, but it mattered little as United saw out the win and three vital points.