Marouane Fellaini’s 78th minute header propelled Manchester United seven points above Liverpool in the fight for fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Playing a tricky tie against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, United took the lead early on thanks to a Juan Mata penalty. A Jason Puncheon equalizer on a free kick gave Palace hope, as they were able to put a lot of pressure on United, but beating David De Gea wasn’t exactly easy.
De Gea was magnificent, keeping United in the game until Fellaini finally put the finishing touch on the match, thanks to a well-worked cross from Ashley Young and a collision between Palace’s Damien Delaney and keeper Julian Speroni.
Although Liverpool don’t play until tomorrow, Brendan Rodgers’ side head to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea, and defeating the league champions won’t be an easy task.
A win for Chelsea would assure Louis van Gaal’s side of a top four finish and Champions League football next season.
United have had an up-and-down campaign in the Dutchman’s first season at the helm, but today’s victory just may be what they need to finish in the top four following last year’s dismal seventh place finish.
With a tough match against Arsenal up next, followed by the final fixture against the possibly relegation-bound Hull City, United have done well to be in this position in the top four race.
They will know more about their fate after tomorrow but for now, United can be very happy with their situation.
Van Gaal on Chelsea v Liverpool: ‘We shall sit tomorrow with a fantastic glass of wine and see the match.’ #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 9, 2015
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