Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has claimed that he was justified in veering into the centre of the pitch despite being deployed on the right against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

The former Chelsea man scored the Premier League game's only goal in the 67th minute when he blasted a powerful shot which squirmed through the hands of the Palace goalkeeper.

Mata told reporters after the game: "I was thinking if I come on I would try to change the game and luckily I did it.

"The manager told me I was playing on the right, I tried to make the pitch wide and come inside as well. That is what I did. The most important thing is that we won and the three points will help us to carry on this good run.

"Right now I am very happy with the goal. I have three at this moment of the season. I always try to help the team. Hopefully now in the international break we can recover our injuries."

Manchester United are currently sixth in the Premier League.