Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to keep the pressure on Leicester after its four main rivals defeated Sheffield United when the Champions League qualification battle intensified on Thursday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team had no margin for error after Leicester's 2-0 victory earlier in the day and responded thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. United's fifth win in their last six league games leaves them fifth in the Premier League. They are level on points with Leicester in fourth place, following them on goal difference, and one point behind Chelsea in third place.
Given that the financial consequences of not making it to the Champions League will be painful for United, Solskjaer's men will be under intense pressure in their last two league games.
After Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, United's host West Ham on Wednesday before a decisive matchup in Leicester on July 26.
United could also qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League, which will resume in August.
"Nobody thought in January that we were going to yell for the top four. We've done fantastic since the restart," said Solskjaer.
"We didn't get the rhythm on our pass, but two fantastic goals won it for us. That's what happens at Manchester United, you have to step forward and show your personality."
Rashford broke the impasse in the halftime of the first half when the England striker deftly fooled two defenders of the Palace with a drag and returned home from close range.
Palace vehemently complained that they should have received a penalty moments before when Wilfried Zaha fell after contact with Victor Lindelof.
Referee Graham Scott rejected their appeals and VAR did not change the decision, with replays showing that Lindelof was lightly tapped on the ball.
Palace was denied again in the second half when Jordan Ayew's goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
"What's the point in going into that? If I say yes, they say no, it becomes a Christmas pantomime," palace chief Roy Hodgson said of the VAR controversy.
Martial killed Palace in the 78th minute with a clinical finish after a good job by Rashford.
From NDTV Sports
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