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Louis van Gaal's minimum target in his debut season was to take Manchester United back to the Champions League - something he may have achieved by this afternoon.
With victory over Crystal Palace yesterday , the Red Devils solidified their place in the top four, moving seven points ahead of nearest rivals Liverpool.
It was a result that due to Liverpool's much inferior goal difference means Brendan Rodgers' side must win their three remaining games to stand any chance of catching United.
Show all 24 1 /24Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni - 5/10 So often a reliable figure, the Argentine was at fault for United's winner.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Joel Ward - 5 Failed to deal with the trickery and pace of a confident Young.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Damien Delaney - 6 Put his body on the line to block numerous United efforts, only to be eventually taken out by his own goalkeeper.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Scott Dann - 6 Penalised for handball in one area, he nearly made amends in the other with a clever pass to Murray.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Pape Souare - 5 Another frustrating Selhurst Park performance from the left-back.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Mile Jedinak - 6 The Australian made an influential return to the side in the first half, but tired in the second before his substitution.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Joe Ledley - 5 Sacrificed at the break after an opening period chasing shadows.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings James McArthur - 6 Playing further forward, he lacked composure when presented with good opportunities.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Wilfried Zaha -6 Eager to impress against his former club, he did well but often attempted to overplay.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Yannick Bolasie - 5 Always a threat with the ball at his feet, his final ball continues to disappoint.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Glenn Murray - 7 Never stopped working for his team, he was only denied a place on the scoresheet by the brilliance of De Gea.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Best off the bench: Jason Puncheon - 7 Immediately turned the game in Palace's favour following his introduction at the start of the second half.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Manchester United: David De Gea - 8 His two second half saves to deny Murray alone deserved three points.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Antonio Valencia - 5 Pegged back by the pace of Zaha, he contributed little in an attacking sense.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Phil Jones - 7 Moved to left-back following Shaw's injury and adapted well.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Chris Smalling - 6 Stood up for the most part in his dual with Murray.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Luke Shaw - 5 The left-back suffered further injury problems after a quiet opening half hour and left the field on a stretcher.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Daley Blind - 6 Bright moving forward, his careless part in United's defensive wall was nearly costly.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Ander Herrera - 6 Continues to show a touch of class in the United midfield.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Marouane Fellaini - 7 The physical Belgian eventually made his presence count when heading United's late winner.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Ashley Young - 8 Spurred on by the boos of the home fans, the winger gave Ward a torrid evening and was at the heart of both his team's goals.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Juan Mata - 6 Stay composed to score from the spot, but failed to influence in the manner he can.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Wayne Rooney - 5 Struggled with his fitness during the first half and was replaced at the break.
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Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Best off the bench: Radamel Falcao - 6 Posed little threat as a goalscorer, but impressed when creating.
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Their first hurdle is against Chelsea who they play at Stamford Bridge today . Should Liverpool fail to win, something that's happened the last seven times they've played Chelsea, then Manchester United will be certain of qualification for the Champions League.
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