Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Red Devils Continue Champions League Charge

Manchester United's Champions League quest remains on course as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial scored in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening.

In an otherwise less than impressive performance from the Red Devils, Rashford opened the scoring just before half time. Just minutes after the hosts had a penalty shout ignored by referee Graham Scott, England international Rashford showed fantastic composure to beat Patrick van Aanholt in the box, pivot on the spot and slot past Guaita.

Palace continued to push forward after the interval and thought they'd netted an equaliser through Jordan Ayew ten minutes into the second half, only for it to be ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The Eagles enjoyed possession throughout the second half but couldn't cope with United's pace on the counter-attack, Bruno Fernandes hitting the post with his effort from just inside the box. Shortly after, Martial completed another fantastic fast break from the visitors, curling into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Van Aanholt was injured in the aftermath of Martial's goal and had to be stretchered off after a lengthy stoppage. With 11 minutes added on, both sides continued to create chances but neither could add to the scoresheet, with United holding on to stay in touch with fourth placed Leicester.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Key Talking Point

Roy Hodgson will take positives from his side's performance against United. Palace created plenty of chances and were on the front foot for much of the encounter, but just couldn't make their opportunities pay.

The club will feel aggrieved, however, that Victor Lindelof's clumsy challenge on Zaha in United's area was not deemed penalty-worthy but referee Scott.

It's a sixth loss on the trot for Palace, who had previously been praised for not allowing themselves to be dragged into a relegation fight. They're now 14th, and while they can't get relegated, there has been speculation over Hodgson's future.

As long as this run of form continues, that chat won't dissipate.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings

Starting XI: Guaita (6); Ward (6), Dann (6), Sakho (5), van Aanholt (6); McArthur (6), Milivojevic (6), McCarthy (6); Townsend (6), Ayew (7), Zaha (8).

Substitutes: Schlupp (6), Riedewald (6), Mitchell (6).

Wilfried Zaha

Zaha was Palace's brightest spark going forward and caused numerous problems from United. The winger should have won a penalty for Hodgson's side, but was denied by referee Scott.

The Ivory Coast international also assisted Ayew for Palace's equaliser, only for it to be ruled out for offside. The 27-year-old looked like the Zaha of old and was a constant threat for the Eagles.

On this evidence, Palace fans will be looking forward to seeing their star man play - if the club can retain his services over the summer, that is...

MANCHESTER UNITED

Key Talking Point

Following injuries to Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams earlier in the week, Timothy Fosu-Mensah was handed his first Manchester United appearance since May 2017. Ironically, his last appearance for the club was also against Palace. Scott McTominay was also granted a start ahead of Nemanja Matic.

Unlike previous years, United have shown an ability to grind out wins despite poor performances in recent months and they demonstrated that once again here, grabbing a 2-0 win to keep them in contention for the Champions League spot they're craving.

They remain level on points with Leicester, who beat Sheffield United earlier on Thursday, and it's starting to look like fourth spot could be decided on the final day when the Red Devils visit the Foxes.

Manchester United Player Ratings

Starting XI: De Gea (6); Wan-Bissaka (6), Lindelof (6), Maguire (6), Fosu-Mensah (6); Pogba (6), McTominay (6); Greenwood (6), Fernandes (8), Rashford (9); Martial (8).

Substitutes: Lingard (6), Matic (6).

Marcus Rashford

Rashford enjoyed another great night at the office for United and was instrumental to the Red Devils securing all three points, despite a less than impressive performance.

The forward did excellently to score United's first and his exquisite pass assisted Martial for the club's second goal. The Englishman has really stepped up this season, with his current tally of 17 league goals his best ever return, and continues to show why he's one of the best young forwards in the Premier League.

Looking Ahead

It doesn't get any easier for Palace, who head to Wolves on Monday before they welcome Tottenham to Selhurst Park the following Sunday to round out the Premier League season.

An FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea is next up for United at the weekend, before taking on West Ham in the Premier League on next Wednesday.