Manchester United faced the ugly prospect of a fourth straight defeat Saturday evening away at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace but emerged victorious with a fortuitous late goal from in-form Marouane Fellaini earning the Red Devils a 2-1 win.

United dominated the first half and took the lead midway through the half, albeit in controversial circumstances when Palace defender Scott Dan was harshly punished for a hand ball in his half.

Juan Mata converted the resultant penalty.

At the start of the second half Palace stepped up a notch and pegged United back to their own half. Their pressure was rewarded with a goal when half time substitute Jason Puncheon curled in a free kick that was slightly deflected by Danny Blind’s head, beating David De Gea in goal for United.

It is De Gea to who Manchester United would be grateful for keeping them in the tie as his string of saves saved the away team from conceding a second goal. The Spaniard somehow kept Glen Murray from scoring six yards away ad he spread his body impressively to save and then got down smartly to deny ex-United boy Wilfred Zaha from close range.

A howler from Palace’s goalkeeper Julian Speroni gifted United the winner as he failed to deal with a routine cross from the impressive Ashley Young of Man. United, allowing Felaini to head home with about 10 minutes remaining.

The win put United within whiskers of a European Champions League qualification as Liverpool, who are seven points behind in sixth position, get set to play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. If Liverpool fail to win then United would be all but certain to qualify with just two games remaining to end the season.

•Photo shows United’s match winner Fellaini.