Coach Louis Van Gaal believes Manchester United's chances of finishing in premier league's top four is in their own hands

Manchester United football team manager Louis van Gaal feels that his side's chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League remain in their own hands after the club returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace.

United recorded a victory for the first time in four attempts, but they made hard work of their 1-0 triumph against a spirited but limited Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Van Gaal admitted that he is happy with the three points and they stay

in the race to end in the places that they want to be in. The BBC further quoted him as saying that they stay two points behind fourth place, and it's in their hands and that's important.

Spanish midfielder Juan Mata scored the decisive goal for United from 22 yards in the 67th minute, four minutes after being introduced as a substitute.