Manchester United close on Champions League return after win over Palace

AP , Saturday 9 May 2015

Man United
A Manchester United fan, left, joins in celebrations with their player Marouane Fellaini, second left, after he scored his side's second goal beside Ashley Young during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park stadium in London, Saturday, May 9, 2015 (Photo: AP)

Marouane Fellaini headed in a late winner as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 Saturday in the English Premier League to move within touching distance of a return to the Champions League.

United will be guaranteed a top-four finish if Liverpool loses to newly crowned Chelsea on Sunday.

Fellaini rose at the back post to nod in a cross by Ashley Young in the 78th minute as United ended a run of three straight losses. Juan Mata's 19th-minute penalty for United was canceled out by a curling free kick from Jason Puncheon in the 57th.

United was indebted to goalkeeper David De Gea, who made great saves either side of Fellaini's goal.

United is seven points ahead of fifth-place Liverpool, which has three games left.

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