When Manchester United welcomed Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Saturday, the world was certain that the Red Devils would stroll to victory.

Score predictions ranged from 4-0 all the way to 7-0 and within two minutes and 20 seconds, the hosts had the lead.

Marcus Rashford destroyed Joel Ward out on the left-hand side, flicking the ball over his outstretched leg and laid it on a plate for Juan Mata, who stroked it in from 12 yards.

Then, against all the odds, Palace actually had a decent spell in the game, forcing a few corners and having a few shots at David de Gea's goal.

However, just before the break, United had a second, with Ashley Young assisting Marouane Fellaini with a beautiful cross.

FELLAINI'S GOAL

The Belgian has been in fine form of late, with Jose Mourinho praising the impact of the Belgian.

Back in the summer when the former Everton man was linked with a move to Turkish side Galatasaray, the manager was adamant that his player would not be leaving.

"It's easier for Galatasaray to get me than Marouane," he said, per Sky Sports. "If they need a manager, they have a chance, but Marouane? Forget it. He is too important to me."

He's certainly repaid that faith.

The Belgian is such a threat in the air and despite his sometimes clumsy style, his importance to United cannot be understated.

One former Red Devils star was particularly impressed with him, as Phil Neville posted a hilarious series of tweets commemorating his impact on the game vs Palace.

NEVILLE'S TWEETS

Brilliant stuff from Neville.

With Paul Pogba now confirmed to be absent for a number of weeks due to a hamstring injury, Fellaini will no doubt get more chances to impress alongside Nemanja Matic.

Ander Herrera has fallen out of favour and it seems Mourinho prefers the midfield partnership that gave him so much success against CSKA Moscow.

He's not the most aesthetically pleasing but, Fellaini is a decisive player and he has a big role to play this season.

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