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Marcus Rashford an 8/10 while Manchester United continues the top four push

Manchester United leveled up on points with fourth place Leicester with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in Selhurst Park on Thursday. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both scored halftime to extend United’s unbeaten game to 19 games, their best form since 2010, as they try to secure Champions League football for the coming season. For Palace, it was their sixth consecutive defeat, but they made Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s points work for points, having won at Old Trafford in August. United, meanwhile, knows that the victories over West Ham and Leicester in the last two games of the season will guarantee a fourth place and a return to the Champions League.

positives

Rashford looked a little rusty after the restart – understandable after being sidelined since January with a back injury. But after taking a few games to find his feet, he has now scored three goals in his last four games to make 22 for the season. He was also involved in United’s best moments – Bruno Fernandes hitting Martial’s post and goal – and he looked hard all night.

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negative

Victor Lindelof impressed last season but had a tough campaign. Solskjaer had the Swedish national team as first choice, but he did not always instill much confidence alongside Harry Maguire. Against Crystal Palace, he gave Jordan Ayew a good chance in the first half, then made a mess of Wilfried Zaha in the area and was lucky not to concede a penalty. United has warned agents that they are looking for a new central defender in the transfer window, and it’s no big surprise.

Operator rating out of 10

7 – Solskjaer sparked a surprise with his team selection, replacing the injured Luke Shaw with Timothy Fosu-Mensah. The Dutchman, 22, had his first start in United for more than three years on the left back and was chosen in front of Diogo Dalot, who seems to have slipped lower in the order of peck. In the end, he proved the right decision when United kept another clean sheet away from home. Solskjaer should also get credit for introducing Nemanja Matic at the right time.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK David De Gea, 7 – He did a nice parade from Zaha in two minutes. Turns Luka Milivojevic’s free-kick on the post and denies Zaha late.

DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 6 – Going back to the club he left last summer, he had his hands full with ex-teammate Zaha.

DF Timothy Fosu-Mensah, 6 – Make his first start for United since May 2017. The selection is surprising but Solskjaer did not disappoint.

DF Harry Maguire, 7 – He should have done better with a header from a corner by Bruno Fernandes after 10 minutes. Timely challenge on Zaha when the Palace attacker would pass.

DF Victor Lindelof, 5 – He gave Ayew a chance just before the break. Lucky to get away with an awkward challenge on Zaha in the box.

MF Scott McTominay, 6 – Replaced Matic in the initial XI. He had a battle in midfield in a poor game.

MF Paul Pogba, 6 – I tried a few things that didn’t come off but also kept the ball moving whenever he could.

MF Bruno Fernandes, 7 – The incisive movement and the passage in the penalty area made Rashford’s first goal. He should have scored from Rashford’s cut but hit the post.

FW Mason Greenwood, 6 – Recovered from an ankle problem to start the fifth game in a row. I spent a peaceful night.

FW Marcus Rashford, 8 – Terrific ability to change direction and mark its side on the net for the initial goal. Devastating race to found Fernandes and then get assistance for Martial.

FW Anthony Martial, 7 – Fantastic vision to choose Greenwood with a cross on the rear pole in the first half, so he sealed the result with his 22nd goal of the season.

substitutes

MF Nemanja Matic (for Scott McTominay, 63), 7 – Allowed United to gain more control.

FW Jesse Lingard (for Mason Greenwood, 63), 6 – Busy and energetic.

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