De Gea – Still without a clean sheet but a series of outstanding saves meant that he singlehandedly won United the game. 8
Valencia – Another game, another performance exposing his limitations as a makeshift fullback. Failed to get involved all game. 5
Smalling – Played well initially but struggled in the second half. 5
Jones – Continues to be susceptible to an error when put under pressure, as was the case when Puncheon came on. Shifted to fullback afterwards. 5
Shaw – Taken off midway through the game with yet another injury. Worrying times for the youngster. 5
Blind – Singlehandedly highlighting to the world just how important Carrick is. Proving to be a shadow of the Englishman. 5
Mata – Passed the ball well all game. Stood up and slotted away United’s first from the spot, showing his courage and finishing. 7
Herrera – Still not at the standards he set himself earlier in the season. Holding possession well but just lacking in spark and creativity. 5
Fellaini – It appears that he has finally been figured out by opposition, but he still got United the all important winning goal. Kudos. 6
Young – United’s outstanding outfield performer, as per. Set up the winner and came close with a deflected shot with went inches wide. 7
Rooney – Failed to get involved in the first half. Taken off after 45 minutes. 4
Subs:
Evans – Took less than five minutes for him to make his first mistake. 3
Falcao – Saw little of the ball and even less service from midfield. 5
McNair – N/A
Other:
Louis van Gaal – The manager continues to pick a similar team to the last few outings and so it’s little surprise as to just how disjointed a performance it was. The players look a shadow of themselves and seem unable to break down opposition defence. Luckily, it was a Palace error that resulted in a penalty for the first. Then it was up to Young to save United once again. Speaking of saves, the ‘keeper should be knighted for the number of points he has won us. Overall, a disappointing performance that was saved by individual brilliance. Regardless though, we’re three points closer to securing a Champions League spot. Nearly there…. 6
Referee: N/A
Falcao: 10 – MOM for setting up the winnning goal,great push on Delaney to take the goalie out, before that it looked like we were struggling to stay in the game.
Ashley Young: 8 – Continues to impress me, not only effective on the wing, did a great job as linesman, fourth official and giving the ref advice. It’s great that he can come into form right when a new contract is up for negotiation. It’s a pity he’ll be useless again once he re-signs.
Michael Oliver : 9 gave us everything, I wished he celebrated with the team when we scored.
Louis van Gaal: 7 The genius of this man to change the tactics to long ball to get the winner. This is beautiful football to watch.
Fans: Great to see a pitch invasion, incredible feeling to finsh fourth in the league, shows just how far we have come as a club. Maybe if we spend another £150m this summer we can get third next year.