Manchester United ended their three-game losing streak with a 2-1 triumph away at Crystal Palace following goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini.
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Jason Puncheon cancelled out Juan Mata’s first-half penalty with a well-struck freekick, before Fellaini finished from close range 12 minutes before the end of the match.
The victory was, however, slightly marred by injuries to Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney.
Here are the player ratings:
GK: David De Gea – 9
Made some critical saves—including one from Glenn Murray—which saved United and were as valuable as any goal. A true demonstration of his class.
DR: Antonio Valencia – 6
Struggled to contend with both Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie, was afforded little opportunity to press forward.
CB: Phil Jones – 6
Impressed before Shaw’s injury but didn’t look comfortable when he replaced his injured teammate on the left.
CB: Chris Smalling – 6
Deteriorated as the game went on—struggled to deal with Jason Puncheon and fouled Glenn Murray to give away the free kick from which Crystal Palace scored.
DL: Luke Shaw – 5
Struggled to deal with Bolasie, and his stop-start season continued in its previous trend as he was stretchered off with a suspected broken nose.
DMC: Daley Blind – 6
Easily disturbed in possession, which is to Palace’s credit, and several panicky passes confirmed that the Dutchman was far from his best
RW: Juan Mata– 6
Succeeded where Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have previously failed, with a goal from the spot, but struggled to influence United positively in the attacking third.
CM: Ander Herrera – 6
Another disappointing performance for a player who looks keen for the season to come to an end.
CM: Marouane Fellaini – 7
He may have struggled to impose himself against Palace’s dynamic, mobile central midfielders, but he made a decisive impact with the late winner.
LW: Ashley Young – 7
For the second weekend in a row he was United’s best player, and is one figure who is clearly thriving despite United’s problems. His forward-thinking play and brave dribbling was refreshing to watch.
FW: Wayne Rooney – 6
Brought some cohesion to the attack, and was a decent reference point for those around him, before injury ended his participation.
Sub: Radamel Falcao – 4
Another muted showing from the AS Monaco loanee, who may be becoming more and more anonymous as his loan spell comes to an end.
Sub: Jonny Evans – 4
Replaced Shaw, but looked ill at ease in a back three and failed to guide or assist the similarly nervy Smalling.
Sub: Bruce McNair – n/a
Replaced Smalling with seven minutes to play, but had little time to make an impression.