Van Persie, Rooney propel Man United to 2-0 win over Crystal Palace

Manchester: A lackluster Manchester United required a fortuitous penalty converted by Robin van Persie and a late free kick by Wayne Rooney to overcome 10-man Crystal Palace 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

United manager David Moyes earned his first victory at Old Trafford but only after Palace had Kagisho Dikgacoi sent off for a 43rd-minute foul on Ashley Young that was the turning point in the match.

Van Persie slotted home the resulting penalty, even though the foul was committed outside the box, and Rooney - wearing a thick, black headband to cover a deep gash to his forehead - completed an uninspiring win in the 81st minute.

Deadline-day signing Marouane Fellaini came off the bench in the second half for his United debut.