Manchester United returned to winning ways after defeat in last week's derby, beating Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils enjoyed much the better of the game but were thankful to substitute Juan Mata, whose deflected strike proved the difference.

Pre-game, there was much speculation surrounding the makeup of Louis van Gaal's side, but the demonstrative Dutchman opted to stick with the likes of Adan Januzaj and Robin van Persie, both of whom struggled to make an impact against City.

That meant 18-year-old striker James Wilson and Mata both had to settle for a place on the bench, with Van Gaal choosing to play a 4-1-4-1 formation. Elsewhere, Daley Blind was switched to central defence, replacing the injured Marcos Rojo.

The Eagles, meanwhile, had to do without the services of inspirational midfielder Mile Jedinak, with Neil Warnock selecting Marouane Chamakh and former United striker Fraizer Campbell up top.

The hosts monopolised the ball for prolonger periods in the first period, but struggled to fashion chances, as the pedestrian pace of their passing and poor decision-making in the final third proved a real hinderance.

For the away side, Campbell spurned the best chance of the first half on 40 minutes, when he was played through on goal and chipped the ball over the head of David de Gea in the United goal, only to see it drift over the bar.

Moments later, Januzaj went down under pressure in the box, but replays suggested there was no contact and the referee was correct to ignore the cries of the home crowd.

The second half began much in the same way that the first half ended, Manchester United played a possession game and Crystal Palace were happy to sit back and absorb it.

They almost got punished after Rooney sent a curling effort just wide from the edge of the box.

Moments later, McNair had a header cleared off the line, and Palace looked to be clinging on for dear life.

Enter Mata. The Spaniard was one of United's brighter players last season but has been sidelined by Van Gaal, named on the bench for the match today.

Just three minutes after coming on for United, Mata fired a shot at goal and a deflection so it spill through Speroni's hands and into the net.

United continued to press but couldn't add to their lead, it could have been a nervy end to the game, but Crystal Palace had been lacklustre all afternoon and didn't show any fight.

Rooney poked a good chance wide with a minute to go, neatly summarising his afternoon - the United captain has had better days at the office.

Van Persie was also in indifferent form, remaining anonymous for much of the game and failing to capitalise on the dominance of his side.

It was a positive step forward from Man United, but they still have questions to answer. While their midfield is shaping up to be one of the best in the league, they looked dodgy at the back and often lacklustre in the final third.