Manchester United had won all three of their home matches in the Premier League, so playing Crystal Palace at Old Trafford seemed a good game to take them into the international break.
Though with a mounting list of injuries, manager Louis van Gaal was forced to play his 11th centre-back combination of the season; Daley Blind and Paddy McNair.
United were better overall but ex-Red Devils man Frazier Campbell seemed intent on scoring against his old club, but it wasn’t to be.
It took Juan Mata in the 67th minute to score the only goal of the game. The super sub scored minutes after getting onto the pitch, finally breaking the deadlock with a long but accurate shot.
The Spaniard almost got a second but was denied by the woodwork. Despite having to grind out the win, Mata’s goal gives United all three points and pushes the Red Devilss up to seventh.
After the international break United travel to north London to play Arsenal who are only a point in front.
The match aside, here are five things we learnt this week from United and Louis van Gaal.
Click on former manager Fergie to unveil the top five talking points.
United supporters. Are you satisfied with seventh position going into the international break? Can United go to Arsenal next and get points? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.
10 years ago
Use falcao as a lone striker, mata(11) di maria (7) rooney (9)