Juan Mata has conceded that "Crystal Palace made it tough" for Manchester United at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

The visiting Red Devils claimed all three points thanks to a penalty from Mata and a late header by Marouane Fellaini, which sandwiched a strike from Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon.

Reflecting on the game, the Spanish playmaker wrote on his blog page: "It was a win that demanded a lot of work from us because Crystal Palace made it tough. In the first half we were better and I had the chance to score my first penalty with Manchester United.

"However, their pressing was good, they tied the game and created a few good chances. David [de Gea] was amazing, as always, and in the last few minutes Fellaini's header gave us the victory and three crucial points to achieve our goal."

The 2-1 win, coupled with fifth-placed Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Chelsea yesterday afternoon, has all but confirmed United's place in next season's Champions League.