Juan Mata: "Crystal Palace made it tough"

Juan Mata has conceded that "Crystal Palace made it tough" for Manchester United at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

The visiting Red Devils claimed all three points thanks to a penalty from Mata and a late header by Marouane Fellaini, which sandwiched a strike from Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon.

Reflecting on the game, the Spanish playmaker wrote on his blog page: "It was a win that demanded a lot of work from us because Crystal Palace made it tough. In the first half we were better and I had the chance to score my first penalty with Manchester United.

"However, their pressing was good, they tied the game and created a few good chances. David [de Gea] was amazing, as always, and in the last few minutes Fellaini's header gave us the victory and three crucial points to achieve our goal."

The 2-1 win, coupled with fifth-placed Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Chelsea yesterday afternoon, has all but confirmed United's place in next season's Champions League.