Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has admitted that he was delighted to play a vital part in getting his side back to winning ways in the Premier League.

The Spaniard scored the only goal of the game to fire United to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford to end Louis van Gaal's men's three-game winless run in the top flight.

Mata told the club's official website: "The feeling of scoring a goal at Old Trafford is nearly impossible to describe, but I can tell you that is very special. It's like an explosion of joy shared with everybody in the stadium, the players and the crowd. Even more if your goal secures the three points.

"Winning this weekend was very important. We came from a few weeks without victories and these three points take us near the teams at the top, and encourage us to keep working hard and improving our game.

"Obviously, we know there is still a lot to do in order to get where we want to, but it's easier when you win. We're already thinking about the next game, and it's a big one, in London against Arsenal. I hope we win again and show consistency in our results."

The Red Devils are seventh in the Premier League following their win over Palace.