Rooney returns to hand Moyes first win at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney came back from a horrific injury to help his club beat Crystal Palace 2-0, giving new manager David Moyes his first win at Old Trafford.

According to The Daily Star, Rooney defied a gashed head to return to the United side earlier than expected and nine minutes from time he superbly curled home a free-kick after substitute Adnan Januzaj, 18, had been tripped by Adlene Guedioura.

That guaranteed Moyes' landmark victory after failing previously to win at Old Trafford in the league in 11 attempts with Everton and one with United, the report said.

Moyes had faced a difficult decision on whether to play Rooney, who wore a headband to protect his injury from a training ground incident, the report added.

The manager said that Rooney scored a great free-kick and even went for a couple of headers, adding that he was a bit tired towards the end but he wanted to give him 90 minutes with a big week coming up.

Moyes said that the player's head had healed better than expected and he had trained really hard.

Palace had their mid-fielder Kaigisho Dikgacoi sent-off for a challenge on Ashley Young before halftime, after which Robin Van Persie scored from a penalty to give United the lead.