United stays in contention for a top-4 berth

United maintained its relentless pursuit of a place in the Champions League with a hard-fought win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Solskjaer’s side was under pressure after Leicester City’s earlier victory over Sheffield United and responded with a victory that keeps it in fifth place, level on points with the Foxes but with an inferior goal difference. It extended United’s unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions, and Solskjaer believes United, which is still in the FA Cup and Europa League, has set itself up for a thrilling end to the season. “No-one thought in January that we would be in with a shout for top four,” he said.

“We have done fantastic since the restart. These are the games that matter. That is the thing at Manchester United, you have to step up and show your personality.” 

United was made to work for its victory, Marcus Rashford breaking the deadlock with a stylish finish in firsthalf stoppage time before playing his part in a sweet move involving Bruno Fernandes that was rounded off by Anthony Martial in the 78th minute.

Palace felt a real sense of injustice, furious that it was denied a penalty just before United took the lead when Wilfried Zaha tangled with Victor Lindelof, and then seeing a potential 55th-minute equaliser from Jordan Ayew ruled out by VAR for a very marginal offside.

It meant Roy Hodgson’s side slumped to its sixth consecutive league loss and its night was made worse when defender Patrick van Aanholt suffered a dislocated shoulder after trying to prevent Martial scoring United’s second.

United was not at its best and was grateful to goalkeeper David de Gea for some fine saves, particularly from Zaha, while he also did well to keep out Luka Milivojevic’s free-kick.

This, however, is a United team developing a ruthless streak, demonstrated by Rashford’s calm finish for the opener, and then an artistic move constructed by Rashford and Fernandes that enabled Martial to complete the job in style.

United needed the instant response after Leicester’s win earlier on Thursday and there is real efficiency as well as a rapier thrust to Solskjaer’s side that has taken it on this long unbeaten run.

Result: Crystal Palace 0 lost to Manchester United 2 (Rashford 45+1, Martial 78)