Marouane Fellaini scored the winner as Manchester United moved a step closer to securing Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

United headed into the match on the back of three straight Premier League defeats, but the win moves them seven points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, who meet Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

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It was a bright start from Louis van Gaal's side as Daley Blind forced Julian Speroni into an early save with a low strike, but the visitors would not have to wait much longer for a breakthrough.

Ashley Young did well to earn space on the left before delivering a low cross which Scott Dann cleared with the top his arm, and, despite the protest from the home supporters, Michael Oliver immediately pointed to the spot.

After misses from Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in recent weeks, Juan Mata took on the responsibility from 12 yards and managed to put his penalty just out of Speroni's reach to hand United the lead.

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Palace provided more of a threat late in the first half, but Mile Jedinak could only fire over the crossbar after holding off Blind inside the box.

A promising start to the match for United was overshadowed by a head injury to Luke Shaw, and the visitors were forced into their second change after the break when Rooney came off with a thigh problem.

The momentum quickly changed early in the second half as Palace caused more problems with the introduction of Jason Puncheon, who was unfortunate not to win a penalty after being caught by Mata.

However, the substitute could not be stopped just a few minutes later as he got the Eagles back on level terms with a free kick which took a slight deflection off Blind before beating David de Gea.

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Palace suddenly looked the more likely winner as James McArthur broke free before sending an effort just wide of the post.

It was then left to De Gea to come to his side's rescue as Palace piled the pressure on, and only a remarkable one-handed save was enough to keep out Glenn Murray from a few yards out.

Wilfried Zaha volleyed a decent chance straight at De Gea, before United threatened at the other end when the influential Young sprinted past Joel Ward before hitting a deflected effort inches wide.

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Young played a key role once again as the visitors found the winner with 12 minutes remaining. Fellaini pulled away at the back post to head home a cross from the winger after Speroni had failed to make contact with the ball in a congested box.

Palace responded to the setback to put United under pressure in the closing stages, and only another fine save prevented Murray from scoring the equaliser with a low volley.

Ander Herrera forced Speroni into a good stop of his own late on, but the save would not have come as any consolation as United collected all three points following his error.