Juan Mata came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as Manchester United recorded a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford this afternoon.
There was chances at both ends throughout the game, but it was not until the 66th minute that the Spaniard broke the deadlock.
Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the Red Devils were worthy winners, or whether Palace deserved a share of the spoils.
Match statistics
Man United
Shots: 23
On target: 5
Possession: 72%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 8
Palace
Shots: 6
On target: 1
Possession: 28%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
This was by no means a vintage performance from United, but they were certainly worthy winners. While Palace should be commended for their hard work and the odd dangerous moment that they created on the counter-attack, they didn't do enough to argue that their performance warranted a share of the spoils.
Man United's performance
With the international break coming up and with only three wins to their name this season, this was always going to be a game where the result mattered more to United than the display, which was just as well! The first half saw the home side have plenty of possession, but their lack of pace centrally in the final third, with Angel di Maria shunted out wide, meant that they failed to cause Palace many problems.
That changed after the restart as Wayne Rooney was pushed further forward to support lone frontman Robin van Persie, while Di Maria was given more freedom. He used that to United's advantage by setting up Mata for the only goal. After that goal, United continued to control proceedings and also could have added one or two more.
The defence, which has been much maligned this term, is also deserving of a special mention because despite the fact that there were three different centre-back combinations over the course of the 90 minutes and Antonio Valencia played at right-back, they held firm and only really conceded one clear chance, which Fraizer Campbell fluffed.
Palace's performance
With the greatest of respect to Palace, they couldn't have done much more. They were instructed by Neil Warnock to soak up the early pressure, which they did well, before going on to use the pace that they have in Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie on the counter-attack.
Perhaps those two could have done a little bit more in the final third, although that may be overly harsh. Warnock will certainly have no complaints with his players, who showed that they are buying into his way of thinking. This is not the sort of game that will determine Palace's Premier League status, but a lot of heart can still be taken from the performance.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Luke Shaw: Nobody stood out like a beacon, but Shaw's display is certainly worthy of a mention. Having worked hard to get himself fit following criticism from his manager during pre-season, the 19-year-old has started to look comfortable at left-back in recent weeks. Today, he got forward well to support Di Maria, but arguably more importantly, he made a couple of crucial challenges during the second half to halt Palace's counter-attacks.
Biggest gaffe
Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni could quite easily have scooped this award because he probably should have done better with Mata's goal, but it goes to Campbell. At 0-0, a lack of communication between the makeshift centre-back pairing of Paddy McNair and Daley Blind released the Palace striker, but he lifted his effort well over the target when he really should have scored. Goals change games and when you get a chance as good as that, you really have to take it.
Referee performance
The biggest compliment that can be paid to Chris Foy is that he was barely noticeable. He issued four yellow cards, all of which were fair. The home side had a couple of penalty shouts during the first half, but despite big calls from the supporters, Foy rightly waved away the appeals. All in all it was a good afternoon's work from the 51-year-old.
What next?
Man United: After the international break, United will head to the capital for a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Palace: As for Palace, they return to the familiar surroundings of Selhurst Park with the visit of Liverpool.
Liam Apicella
