Man United's Fallen Angel.

He came, He saw, but He didn't conquer. Hopes were high last summer when it was announced that Louis van Gaal had secured the services of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for a record fee of close to £60m.

The news got all the fans excited in anticipation of what the Argentinian would bring to the team. Fast forward 12 months and all that hype and promise has turned sour as United have offloaded the star to Paris Saint- Germain at a loss of around £15m.

So what went wrong? Why did Di Maria turn out to be an expensive flop like his fellow countryman Juan Veron?

There are a number of contributing factors, but many will point to the fact that van Gaal didn't exactly know which position best suited Di Maria or whenever he did play the team seemed disjointed and performed better when he wasn't included. Or maybe it was a case of the player's head and heart was just not in Manchester and when the going got tough he decided to hightail it away to pastures easier and new.

It had all started so brightly for Angel when he made his United debut at Turf Moor against Burnley in front of just under 22,000 fans packed into a small stadium a million miles away from what he had been used to at the Bernabeu. The match ended all square at 0-0, but Di Maria showed glimpses of what the fans could expect.

Next up was Queens Park Rangers and a chance for Di Maria to show the Old Trafford faithful exactly what all the money had been spent on. He delivered on all the hype and scored the first in a 4-0 win. Everything was going to plan and the fans had surely found a new hero to wear the famous No.7 shirt.

Then came a match away at Leicester City in which he scored an early contender for goal of the season by collecting a pass and upon entering the penalty area delivered an exquisite chip over red legend Peter Schmeichel's son Kasper in the Foxes net, but at the end of that match, United had inexplicably given away a 3-1 lead and lost 3-5.

His next goal came in the home match against Everton in October which United won 2-0 with another of the summer signings Falcao grabbing the other, but the match would belong to David De Gea who performed heroics in goal that day.

Di Maria remained an ever-present in the side until United beat Hull City at the end of November then he was hit by an injury that made him unavailable until he was named as a substitute one month in the draw away at Aston Villa.

He missed all the Christmas fixtures, but did come back as a substitute in the 3rd round of the FA Cup away at lowly Yeovil Town in which he scored a late goal to wrap the game up 2-0.

Di Maria went on to start in the next 12 games which included a mixed bag of results, losing at home to Southampton and Swansea in the league plus being knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal at Old Trafford.

During that period it was revealed by the club that Di Maria and his family had had the scare of a home invasion earlier in the season which must have been all the more terrifying as they were in the house at the time. This clearly had an effect on him as he had to uproot his family and move into a hotel.

From March onwards Di Maria hardly featured in the side and if he did it was usually alongside Falcao on the bench as an unused substitute. When he did make it onto the pitch it usually only lasted a few minutes with an injury forcing him to leave the field.

It was clear to many that something was not right with the Argentinian as when he did play he just didn't seem that interested or focused. The rumours of a rift between him and van Gaal started to do the rounds in the media leading to speculation that all was not well.

In his first and last campaign at United he made 32 appearances, 8 as a substitute and scored 4 goals and he also held the record for the most assists, 11, in the team.

At the end of the season the news grew of an interest from French outfit PSG but while on Copa America duty Di Maria promised the United faithful that he would return to Manchester and prove himself in his second season. However, the situation turned sour when he failed to report for pre-season training with the squad on tour in America on July 25th.

That turned out to be the last straw for van Gaal and the club and the decision was made to cash in on the player for as much as they could get from PSG, which turned out to be a reported £44m.

Angel Di Maria has an undoubted talent, of that there is no question, but he is a player who will be discussed by many fans who that feel let down and they will debate the how's and why's of his fall from grace as a Red Devil.

It proves that even the best players can find it difficult in the Premier League compared to other less competitive leagues. One thing is for sure Di Maria wasn't the first and will not be the last to be found out.

Miles Dunton.

What next for United?

Once former United player Danny Welbeck latched onto the terrible back pass by Antonio Valencia and slotted it past David de Gea to knock Man United out of the FA Cup I started to wonder what lay ahead for the team this season and beyond.

Now that our last chance of silverware has gone United are now locked in a fight to finish in the all-important top four of the Premier League to gain a place in the lucrative Champions League, failure to do so would mean yet another season out of the European elite competition and even worse United could qualify to play in the dreaded Europa League every Thursday night.

Let's take stock of our current position, out of both cup competitions and fourth in the league and looking ahead to the remaining Premier League fixtures it doesn't fill me with confidence the way we have been playing with Spurs, City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal still to play it would take another unbeaten run to come through all those fixtures unscathed.

At the beginning of the season, the manager banged on about his 'Philosophy' which I'm sure like myself most people and the players are still trying to get their heads around. What exactly was his plan and what formation suits the team better because I really believe he doesn't know himself.

Since August, we have witnessed differing setups including his favoured 3-5-2 but more recently he reverted back to the fans favourite 4-4-2. Neither of which have been played with any confidence by the team and the lack of attacking play, which we have been used to down the years and I'm not only talking about the Fergie era, has lacked any conviction and flair.

The manager doesn't seem to know what his best starting eleven is and has changed the line-up too frequently leaving players to sit on the bench for long periods of time. It started with Januzaj then Herrera and now it's Mata's turn to wonder what they have to do to play regularly.

Januzaj's position I can understand as he is still in the learning curve but Herrera and Mata are experienced players that would walk into other sides, and maybe they will in the summer.

Another point about the manager is the way he comes over in the press conferences. Alex Ferguson was a master of manipulating the press and enjoyed total control in the meetings, even though that riled the journalists he still had their respect. The problem with LvG is that he comes over as a stubborn individual who has a total disrespect for the press and treats their questions as a personal attack on himself.

Louis van Gaal was a very animated figure at the World Cup high fiving Robin van Persie but in the United dugout he is the complete opposite, he honestly looks bored. At Old Trafford, I understand it's a long way to the touchline from his seat but even so!

He has said that his relationship with the assistant manager Ryan Giggs is as good as ever, but I'm not so sure. I would like to hear more from Giggs on how he feels things are going.

Van Gaal has spoken of his distaste of back passing but obviously forgot to relay that message onto his defenders as so often this season we have conceded unnecessary goals or given more work to de Gea by playing the ball around at the back.

Speaking of the defenders they have been woeful this season and even the die hard fans, like myself, must be truly disappointed by the performances of the back line, Evans and Jones have to take the brunt of the blame and Smalling has had his moments of uncertainty.

In Blackett and McNair, we have two defenders for the future but you could see how quickly their confidence fell by playing alongside supposedly more experienced players.

When you see the players and manager in training or enjoying themselves out and about at various functions, including this week's Cheltenham Race Meeting, the team spirit can't be faulted but once they walk onto the pitch that all so important togetherness seems to disappear.

A lot of that is down to the captain but when Rooney was stuck in the midfield he found it hard to increase his own level of play let alone the others. Eventually, van Gaal saw sense and put Rooney back up front where he belongs, imagine how different the season could have been if Rooney had been used as a striker and banging in the goals instead of being wasted in the middle.

The six summer signings that gave all the supporters such optimism haven't really delivered on the promise mainly due to injury and lack of form. The biggest disappointments being the two big name deals Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria.

Falcao is just not the same player he once was following his knee injury and Di Maria's confidence is at an all time low especially after his red card against Arsenal. It will take all of LvG's experience to dig Di Maria out of his hole.

Ander Herrera had been left out of the side for weeks then enjoyed a return to the starting team putting in some sterling performances and chipping in with the goals. The other signings,  Blind, Rojo and Shaw haven't let the side down too much but have missed crucial games due to various serious injuries.

Ashley Young has come back after his own injury layoff stronger and along with Fellaini has at least improved on last season. Fellaini has at last started to repay the money that Moyes spent on him but again he is another player being used out of position. In the defeat against Arsenal he played up front and the team began banging long balls up field with the hope that he could use his height advantage. That is not the United way and proved we missed the scoring talents of Robin van Persie.

There is no doubt about the player of the season David de Gea. From the very first match he has performed at a level that is way above his team mates and has become a world class keeper and with Real Madrid circling he needs to be tied down to a new contract sooner rather than later as later could be too late. On many occasions, the Spaniard has saved the points for United as the last line of defence. In the run of unbeaten games, it wasn't the goals that gave us the points it was his saves.

Through varying mistakes by the manager and players, we find ourselves once again unsure how the season will finish. Having said that I am a big fan of the manager, if not of some of his decisions, and believe the club can bounce back and will indeed make the last four but not without some more twists and turns before May.

However, come the end of the season I as many others, expect an overhaul of the team. Let's get rid off the players who are quite clearly not up to scratch and get really stuck into the transfer market for quality players with experience starting with the defence. If not, even if we do qualify for the Champions League with the current squad we could be out of it in the group stage.

In summary, in the last two months of the season I would like to see the players really lift their game and get that top four finish at any costs and for the manager to prove that he indeed is the best man for the job.

I'm sure in the end all will be well but it's how we are getting there that hurts.

Miles Dunton.

United lose it at The Liberty.

Swansea City 2 Manchester United 1

There was most definitely not a warm welcome in the valleys for the visit of United to the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea had of course inflicted defeat on Louis van Gaal's team in his first official game in charge at the beginning of the season at Old Trafford. This was a chance for United to gain revenge for that defeat and to consolidate third place in the Premier League. Going into the match the Reds had only suffered one defeat in nineteen matches and were also going well in the FA Cup.

The team selected by the manager to return to England with the three points comprised of: De Gea, McNair, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Herrera, Blind, Di Maria, Fellaini, Rooney and Van Persie. The subs were: Mata, Falcao, Januzaj, Smalling, Young, Valencia and Valdes.

Van Gaal tinkered again at the back by making two changes from the side which beat Preston 3-1 in the FA Cup on Monday, Paddy McNair replacing Antonio Valencia at right-back and the fit-again Phil Jones came in for Chris Smalling in the centre of defence.

Wayne Rooney started as a striker in the league for the first time since December. Falcao was left on the bench as Robin van Persie was the preferred choice to partner Rooney up front.

As van Gaal had kept the captain in attack there was also a first start since December for Fellaini in midfield.

The first half started with an early foul by Fellaini who was either trying to stamp his authority on the game or just plain clumsy.

Rojo uncharacteristically gave an early ball away from which Routledge tried his luck, but the Argentinian defender righted his wrong by blocking the shot for a corner.

Swansea went close to taking an early lead but Ander Herrera just, and only just, cleared Gomis's header off the line. That was certainly an early let off for United and a warning for the visitors defence.

The stress on the United players started to show as Herrera lost his temper with Paddy McNair as a simple pass to the Irishman went out for a throw-in. It had been a bad start for United, how many times have we seen that this season.

10 minutes into the game there was another corner from Swansea and again poor marking from the visitors which allowed Gomis a free header which he totally wasted by heading over.

After patient passing from United, McNair won a free-kick on the right. Angel Di Maria lashed a ball into the middle which fell to van Persie, but the Dutchman fired so wildly from an acute angle that it went out for a throw-in on the other side of the pitch.

United's marking at the back was woeful, as was shown when Jones was nutmegged on the left then as the ball was crossed nobody was picking up Routledge who could only shoot weakly at goal which David de Gea saved easily.

Fellaini was walking a fine line with his niggling fouls, something that he had to be careful with.

Wayne Rooney started brightly with some fine one touch football around the opposition's box and nearly latched onto a nice ball at the near post from Di Maria.

At the other end, Phil Jones inexplicably gave away a corner, another example of how poor his has performed this season. Too many times this season United's play forward has been halted by passes that have ended up going backwards which has resulted in mistakes at the back.

On 26 minutes Robin van Persie had a good run to the byline and managed a cross which the keeper Fabianski reached before Rooney could get a foot to it, shortly afterward the Dutchman had a run and shot on goal, unfortunately, he sliced high and wide.

United finally started to turn the screw and it paid off in the 27th minute with some fantastic approach play down the left involving Fellaini, Shaw, Di Maria and Rooney that saw the ball fall to Ander Herrera who was lurking unmarked inside the penalty area. The Spaniard struck a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. That was his third goal from his last three starts in the side.

However, the joy didn't last long as Swansea drew level within a couple of minutes as Ki ended a move by flicking the ball past de Gea far too easily in the six yard area. A soft goal to concede so soon after taking the lead, which was down to a total lack of concentration in United's back four.

The majority of United's attacks were coming down the left with Shaw and Di Maria heavily involved in everything. Their endeavours, just before half-time, produced another corner from Rooney, which was played much too close to the keeper again. It should be noted that United have only scored from eleven set pieces all season.

Referee Neil Swarbrick eventually lost his patience with Fellaini, who finally received his yellow card after having conceded four free-kicks.

Half-time and it was all square at 1-1. More purpose was to be expected from the Red Devils in the second half. There were some fleeting glimpses of the old partnership between Rooney and van Persie coming together up front but not enough. However, it was good to see the captain back where he belongs.

At the beginning of the second half, United's first change saw Antonio Valencia replace McNair to add pace and experience to the right back position. Phil Jones began the half by picking up an early caution.

Ki almost grabbed his second from an identical move to Swansea's equaliser, but this time he was thwarted by de Gea. It was good to see Daley Blind lose his temper with Shaw as that's exactly what the defence needed, a kick up the backside. If van Gaal was an animated character he would have surely pulled out all his hair after what he was witnessing at the back.

A flurry of corners from United didn't really trouble the home defence as they easily cleared their lines. As the half settled down United once again enjoyed some nice passing moves across the pitch but lacking any penetration.

After 58 minutes, van Gaal had seen enough and substituted Luke Shaw for Ashley Young. A positive change which nearly paid off immediately with the subs first touch as he laid the ball into the path of Rooney who in turn touched the ball to van Persie whose shot hit the side netting.

You got the feeling that if the Reds could stay strong at the back the game was there for the taking with the speed of Valencia and Young out wide. Young especially was looking lively and putting in some decent crosses from the left.

Rojo headed over a corner when he really should have gone closer with his effort. Then a second corner caused confusion in the box as nobody quite knew where the ball was until the keeper dıved on top of it.

Van Persie came close after some stunning passing in midfield, but he just couldn't connect with his volley with any power.

With 20 minutes left in the match, United were in total control and were pushing for the winner as the away fans kept up their '99 Anthem.

Rooney had a shot blocked resulting in yet another United corner. Everything was going the visitors way, surely it was only a question of time before they found the breakthrough.

Then out of the blue disaster struck as Shelvey found himself unmarked 30 yards out and let fly with a deflected shot that flew past the wrong-footed David de Gea. It's not good to put the blame on a single player when the opposition score, but in this instance I feel I have to as Fellaini gave the ball away in the center circle and made no effort at all to chase down the ball after his mistake.

This is not the first time he has been guilty of this, but at least he didn't fall to the ground clutching his neck this time. After all their promising work, United found themselves chasing the game, not for the first time this season.

United's last change of the match came after 78 minutes when Di Maria, who had looked jaded in the second half, was replaced by Juan Mata.

Ashley Young was booked for what the referee deemed a dangerous challenge after 84 minutes.
Fellaini played the last 10 minutes as an out and out striker as van Persie struggled with an injury and as van Gaal had used up his three substitutes he had to struggle on.

United's fourth caution came after Rojo was booked for a debatable challenge on the keeper from a United free-kick in the last few minutes.

Every ball forward from United in the last ten minutes of the game was aimed long towards the head of Fellaini which would have pleased Big Sam, but today the tactic didn't pay off.

In the end, United had fallen to their first defeat since the home loss to Southampton, but full credit to Swansea, who have now done the double over United this season. The only positive to be taken from the loss is the man of the match performance of Ander Herrera, who once again fully justified the decision to start him. His clearance off the line in the end was futile, but his goal was well taken.

For Manchester United, this was a result which took the wind out of their sails and put more pressure on the challenge of finishing in the top four. Another toothless display from the United forwards who needed to convert the few chances that were created, and rarely did they ever look capable of doing that.

With the new philosophy and system being used by Louis van Gaal gone is the swashbuckling attacking style of old which has been replaced by a dour approach play that is far too predictable. Teams are simply not scared of United in the way they used to be, the fear factor has totally disappeared.

United desperately need a stable back four with players who can actually defend then we might have a chance at competing for the league again.

Next up is the visit to Old Trafford of Sunderland and a chance to put a run of victories together in the push for the Champions League places. It would be a disaster for the club to miss out on the competition for the second year running, but on this performance nothing is guaranteed. It is time for socks and sleeves to be pulled and rolled up collectively by the team.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Miles Dunton.

Rooney's push forward.

Preston North End 1 Manchester United 3

Manchester United returned to the competition that represents their most realistic chance of silverware this season with a visit to Deepdale to take on League one side Preston.

The winners of this match would enjoy a home tie in the quarter-finals against Arsenal.

After disposing of Yeovil and Cambridge this was another chance to progress in the competition that United last won eleven years ago. However, it could quite easily have been a potential banana skin for the Red Devils.

After the struggles of the last few matches, the choice of Louis van Gaal's starting XI was going to be interesting. Would he stick with the under performing Januzaj or recall Herrera, how would the defence line up after the ineffective performance of Evans. Lastly, the main talking point was who would he play up front seeing as though van Persie and Falcao were not exactly setting the world alight.

The questions were answered when the team was announced: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Rooney, Fellaini, Di Maria and Falcao.

A strong line up with a first start for Ander Herrera since December but no place in the squad for Robin van Persie who was injured. The defence was strengthened with Shaw and Valencia recalled and Fellaini drafted into midfield. Rooney would at last start in the position the majority of fans want to see him in, striker alongside Falcao.

Subs: Evans, Mata, Januzaj, Young, Valdes, McNair and Wilson.

The match kicked off in front of a full house of over 21,000 with the stadium bouncing as was to be expected.

United started well and won a corner in the first few minutes, but Wayne Rooney's delivery to the near post was headed clear, where is Phil Jones when you need him? Daley Blind was left red faced early on as he tripped over the ball from a pass in defence, maybe he was still feeling the effects of the knock on his head from the Burnley match.

Kevin Davies was still up to his old tricks by conning the referee into awarding him a free kick after a clash with Blind, old habits die hard.

Fellaini received an elbow to the nose and had to go off for treatment but strangely didn't earn a free kick from the challenge. It would have been interesting if it had been the other way around. The good news is that Fellaini would have the last laugh.

The first half was yet another poor showing from United even though they had around 70 percent of the possession they had nothing to show for it. It was a half that lacked penetration up front as Falcao performed poorly and looked out of it and off the pace for most of the time and the majority of the play from the visitors was at a pedestrian pace.

The only threat was from the lively Di Maria who tried to feed the ball through to his captain Rooney at every available chance. All the corners and dead ball situations were of poor quality and wasted from United.

Basically, once again van Gaal had his job cut out in the dressing room to try and instill some urgency into his team.

The second half started with United on the back foot as Preston pressed forward. Their efforts were rewarded after 3 minutes as Scott Laird, who from the edge of the box shot across goal, with his effort taking a slight deflection off Valencia, before flying under De Gea into the bottom corner. 1-0 Preston and most definitely game on.

How would United react?

In the 52nd minute, Preston could have doubled their lead when Davies almost connected with a floated free-kick at the far post. Let off for United.

Then on 59 minutes the change that would eventually put United into the sixth round as Ashley Young replaced the ineffective Colombian Falcao who really didn't perform and on that showing I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't chosen for the next few matches.

His reaction to being replaced was strange as he appeared to be unable to see his number being displayed on the board. Maybe that's the problem with his display, he needs to have his eyes tested.

Garner almost headed the home side ahead after 61 minutes, but David de Gea was alert as usual and saved down low.

It was then that United started to turn the screw once Falcao had left the pitch as Fellaini now playing alongside Rooney tried to bundle the ball home but was prevented from doing so by resolute Preston defending.

Eventually, after good work from Di Maria, Blind and Young on the edge of the home side's penalty area the ball came to Herrera who slotted his fourth goal for United into the bottom corner of the net. A perfect time to equalise and now the away support could be heard in full voice as the goal had quietened down the home fans who must have been expecting the worst.

Since coming on Ashley Young had made such a difference to the team giving not only a good balance but also badly needed width.

Marcos Rojo was booked for a foul close to the edge of the penalty area therefore being the only United player to be cautioned in the match. Kevin Davies was very lucky to escape a red card after bringing down Smalling. He should have gone in all honesty and Preston knew this and substituted him shortly afterwards.

Then in the 72nd minute Fellaini became the hero yet again as he netted after his initial header was saved he powered home the rebound in from a tight angle. A well taken goal from the Belgian who has impressed this season with his gung-ho displays.

To lead 2-1 United had shown true character under pressure to fight their way back into the tie and after the second goal looked comfortable with Fellaini partnering Rooney in attack. The Belgian is such a difficult player to play against as he is just so ungainly and brings something different to the attack that defenders can't seem to handle.

There was the usual panic defending from Smalling in the last ten minutes which almost allowed Preston a way back in but they wasted their opportunity. Other players were being sloppy with their passing including Valencia. The defence do have this habit of trying to play the ball around to each other which does cause palpitations in my chest area.

On 86 minutes, Rooney won and converted a penalty to make it game over and more than guaranteed their place against Arsenal in the next round. As he chased a ball in the area the keeper Stuckmann dived at his feet, Rooney went to ground after little or no contact.

There were decisions in the match that the referee didn't give United's way so for me the penalty was justice. That was Rooney's first goal this year and a very welcome one.

Preston, to their credit, did try and make the scoreline respectable and if not for De Gea and Young, who cleared off the line, they could have reduced the deficit.

Full-time and the match ended 3-1 to United. A win that they fully deserved after their spirited display in the second half. With outstanding displays from Di Maria, Herrera, Fellaini and Rooney who helped to pick the Red Devils up and through this tricky tie.

Rooney really had shown his enthusiasm playing up front and definitely looked happier in that position as opposed to being stuck in midfield. For me, he was the man of the match closely followed by Di Maria.

This was a game of two halves as the match didn't really came to life until Preston had taken the lead then United woke up. Also, the substitution of Falcao forced van Gaal to change the team system pushing Fellaini up front alongside Rooney with Young in midfield.

United are now seven games unbeaten and on another run with only one defeat in nineteen games but will van Gaal stick with the eleven that performed so well in the second half or tinker again for the next match.

What a mouth watering quarter final we have to look forward to Man United versus Arsenal at Old Trafford with so many past confrontations in the cup down the years this is really a tie to get the pulses racing. With the momentum building in the United side, I fully expect them to overcome the Gunners and they now have a great chance to go all the way to Wembley.

United's next match is over the border into Wales for a difficult Premier League visit to Swansea City. Remember this was the team who beat United at Old Trafford in Louis van Gaal's first official match in charge at the beginning of the season. I am expecting a difficult match but believe United will come back to England with the three points.

This week also sees the Champions League resume. It will be surreal to watch without United being involved, so I probably won't. Having said that the United players should watch the matches as a way of spurring themselves on for that all important top three finish. Forget top four there is no reason we can't end the season in the first three and not have to sweat on the qualifying match the fourth team has to go through.

We are on the way to Wembley, hopefully!

Thanks as always.

Miles Dunton.

Smalling is Man United's Head Boy

Manchester United 3 Burnley 1

Much criticised defender Smalling turned hero against Burnley with two goals to put a shine on another low key display by United.

After the poor showing against West Ham at the weekend, it was a quick return to action for United and a chance to get back on track with the visit of Lancashire rivals Burnley. The first meeting between the two sides ended 0-0 earlier in the season.

Louis van Gaal had an interesting pre-match press conference trying to debunk accusations of a 'long ball' syndrome by providing evidence to the contrary. His well-known stubbornness came to the fore as he got his point over to the watching world. That same stubbornness showed itself again as his team was announced: De Gea, McNair, Jones, Evans, Rojo, Blind, Rooney, Januzaj, Di Maria, van Persie and Falcao.

Once more no place for Herrera in the starting XI, his last start was back on the 2nd of December. Rooney would continue in his midfield role, Januzaj was given yet another start even after some mediocre performances of late and van Persie would be partnered by Falcao a partnership that hasn't exactly had the pulses racing of late.

Subs: Mata, Smalling, Herrera, Valencia, Fellaini, Valdes and Wilson.

The match kicked off in front of the visiting Glazer owners who made a rare outing to watch their team play.

It was Burnley who started well with ex-red Michael Keane heading over at the near post after not being picked up by Jones. At the other end, Paddy McNair had a powerful shot from outside the box which was well saved by keeper Tom Heaton.

Within a few minutes of the match starting Phil Jones had to be replaced by Chris Smalling. This change provided the first breakthrough in the match as in the 5th minute Smalling opened the scoring from a corner with his first touch since coming on as a sub. The corner was lofted into the box and after a little bit of head tennis, involving Falcao, the ball was headed in by Smalling who managed to jump above the rest to get a good contact on the ball. Great start from United.

However in the 11th minute Smalling went from hero to zero as Burnley striker Danny Ings managed to evade his marker Smalling too easily to head in a cross from the right. After his heroics in putting United ahead Smalling reverted to his normal game in allowing Ings to get away from him as he was ball watching.

The goal gave Burnley the confidence to attack and after poor clearances from Evans and Smalling they earned a flurry of corners.

After 20 minutes, it was really poor quality from United clearly they are not learning from their past mistakes and the two center backs are a disaster together. When Rooney was nutmegged that summed up United's night so far.

Blind went down with a knock to his head, which some of our other players needed to knock some sense into them. The Dutchman had to leave the field for a few minutes so the doctors could assess the damage.

On 26 minutes, Di Maria was brought down at full pace on his way to the Burnley box. However, from the free-kick taken by Rooney nothing materialised.

In the first half hour United had been completely outplayed by a Burnley side lying second to the bottom of the league at Old Trafford, something was obviously not right.

Blind came back onto the pitch but after a while it was obvious he could not continue and he was replaced by Herrera in the 37th minute.

How embarrassing it was to hear the away fans cheering every pass their team made.

Then as the half entered the 47th minute it was 2-1 to United totally against the run of play. A short corner between Di Maria and Rooney was eventually crossed to the far post by Di Maria where Chris Smalling was waiting to head in his second of the night. At that moment, he had made up for his mistake for the Burnley goal.

Half time United led 2-1 although it was still a very disappointing performance yet again from the Red Devils who were totally outplayed by the visitors. Lucky to have gone in at half time leading but it couldn't hide the fact that more organisation was needed for the second half. Louis van gaal had his job cut out at half time. The forwards were receiving absolutely no service therefore not a single chance on goal.

The second half got underway with no further changes from United who only had one more substitution to make. Di Maria started brightly on the right managing to get past the defender and get in some crosses. But once again a mistake almost let the visitors back into the game when Smalling and Herrera combined to give Ing a chance on goal which de Gea did well to save then the Burnley striker blasted the rebound over, good chance for the visitors but again United's keeper came to the rescue.

Falcao was so poor that with every 50-50 challenge he was easily barged off the ball showing no conviction at all in his play. Surely it wouldn't be long until he was replaced by either Fellaini or Wilson.

At last Januzaj, who had been relatively quiet, had a positive run and shot which he hit well, but keeper Heaton saved well. On the hour mark, you still got the feeling even leading 2-1 United were in no way guaranteed the three points as Burnley still kept pressing and taking advantage of the home teams uneasiness.

United's first yellow card was given to Rooney on 59 minutes shortly after that Di Maria tumbled in the penalty area after swerving this way and that way but referee Friend didn't see any offence and waved play on.

The pacey Argentinian, Di Maria, was the one player in the United side who at least tried to conjure up something, but even he was guilty of some rather poor finishing.

On 68 minutes, Falcao was the second United player to be booked, which basically was his last contribution as he was replaced by James Wilson in the 73 minute. Falcao left the field with shouts from the visiting fans ringing in his ears of "What a waste of money." To be honest on this ineffective display, there was some truth in that. 4 goals in 18 matches is not up to his impressive standard.

At the time Falcao departed we were still awaiting a shot on or off target from United's two strikers.
Di Maria sent a cross over as United attacked at pace with four on three, but his cross was cleared by defender Trippier for a corner.

Then in the 82 minute Di maria earned reward for his persistence as he went on another of his runs and was brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Rooney but it was Robin van Persie who was given the responsibility to score United's first spot kick this season with his first shot of the night. The penalty was United's first in the Premier league since last April. Game over.

Wilson was the third player into Field's notebook as he was booked towards the end of the 90 minutes and he would be joined by Di Maria. United went searching for a fourth goal and there was a mad scramble in the Burnley box as both Di Maria and Januzaj had efforts cleared, one of them off the line. There was still time for one last chance for Wilson to score, but his shot found the side netting.

The match ended in a flattering scoreline of 3-1 to United but a win is a win and a valuable three points had been gained. The fact that Burnley won more corners than the home team told a story that it was not as easy as the scoreline indicated.

Evans and Smalling are proof that we should have strengthened the defence in January. I hope we can get through the rest of the season with that pair.

Van Gaal persists with Januzaj even though he has had no impact on games in which he's been involved. He needs to be taken out of the limelight for his own good or his confidence will suffer greatly.

Rooney was the name on everyone's lips this week. The debate on his best position filled the web site pages and United forums debating whether van Gaal should move him to his striker position or persevere with him in midfield.

Statistics don't lie and in a season where the side has struggled for goals, one fact remains true and that is Rooney has only contributed with 8 goals in 22 matches. Of course, this is due to his deeper position in the middle of the park. My opinion is that he is a natural goalscorer and not a midfielder and that's where he should play.

Paul Scholes had the ability to make the switch with ease, but Rooney doesn't have that style of play in his locker. He is a striker and, therefore, his talent is being wasted. Robin van Persie and Falcao are not gelling as a partnership and in the last three months of the season it's goals we need, and quickly. We have Fellaini, Herrera and when fit Carrick who are more than capable of playing in the captain's position, after all that's why the club bought them.

Next up is a visit to another Lancashire side in the 5th round of the FA Cup as United make the short journey to play Preston at Deepdale. If the team has any chance of winning something come May this is it. I predict another tough match but United will progress.

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.

Miles Dunton.

Blind rescues a point for United.

West Ham United 1 Manchester United 1

United have a good record in the capital this season including two wins and a draw, but would they lose their heads at the Boleyn Ground or could they escape to the North with another valuable three points?

After confirming their place in the 5th round of the FA Cup in midweek with a comfortable win over Cambridge, it was back to the Premier League and a must win match over West Ham. Three points gained would put United within one win of local rivals Man City, so the incentive to win was huge.

How would van Gaal utilise his squad bearing in mind they have another match coming up on Wednesday? Here was the answer. Man United: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Rooney, Januzaj, Di Maria, Falcao and van Persie. No starting place for Herrera as once again Louis van Gaal gave another chance to Januzaj. The Subs were: Valdes, Mata, Smalling, Herrera, Fellaini, McNair and Wilson.

The match was a milestone for two players. Robin van Persie was making his 100th appearance for the club and Adnan Januzaj his 50th.

At the beginning of the first half, both sides started positively but both made early mistakes. Robin van Persie was almost put through in the box by a rash back pass which the Dutchman just couldn't react to in time. Then at the other end de Gea made a rare error by under hitting a clearance which Jones cleared up, strange as it's usually the other way around with those two.

West Ham pressed forward in the first 10 minutes without really creating a clear chance as United held firm at the back with the help from the likes of Di Maria and Rooney backing up from midfield.

David de Gea redeemed himself for his earlier mistake with two fine stops from Enner Valencia. The first from a long range effort that he turned away around for a corner at full stretch, that was followed by a superb reaction tip over from close range. At this point, the home side was in the ascendancy. United had to get a grip on the match or they could find themselves in trouble.

When United did attack unfortunately the last ball into the danger area was poor as has been the story of the season so far. A series of poor deliveries, especially from corners, didn't help the cause.

It was good to see the commitment shown by Di Maria as he ran back at full pace to help out Antonio Valencia to thwart a West Ham counter attack. I just wish he was using his speed at the other end to the same effect.

Van Persie was fortunate, not to receive a yellow card on the half hour after his elbow connected with a defenders cheek. I've seen cautions given for a lot less.

De Gea's third save in the match came from a header at the far post, which he cleared with his size 10's. The pressure was mounting on United as the home support were getting behind their team and calling for every decision to be given their way. United needed to get control of the ball and stamp their authority on the match.

Januzaj wasn't getting involved in the game and you got the feeling that the match would have suited Fellaini's style of play more. Rooney wasn't enjoying himself in the middle of the park and was slowly losing his temper with some of the referee's decisions as the game was slipping from United's grasp.

Rojo received United's first yellow card for a professional foul as West Ham broke forward. Di Maria had an effort from distance saved by the keeper and that really was the visitors only effort on goal in 40 minutes. United ended the half with a flurry of corners which amounted to nothing of worth due to poor service.

Thanks to David de Gea the score was 0-0 at half-time with United not producing anything near their capabilities. Something had to change in the second half. The main worry was the partnership of Falcao and van Persie which had no teeth and was drawing blanks. A lot of huffing and puffing but with no incisive play.

The second half started poorly for United as they allowed the home side to get at them from the start, which paid dividends in the 48th minute with a goal of great close skill in the penalty area from Kouyate as he juggled the ball, span and shot past de Gea in a crowded penalty area.

Would United react positively? They did through Valencia who broke down the right and provided a cross which eventually struck a defenders arm in the area. However, referee Clattenburg was having none of it.

United upped their game as they had to. Falcoa tried his luck from distance but pulled his shot wide, Van Persie was flagged offside as he attempted to convert a through ball and Falcao almost got his head onto a Luke Shaw cross. Game on!

Shaw was involved in an ugly collision with goal scorer Kouyate in the opposition box as he tried to get on the end of a one-two with Januzaj. Luckily Shaw got up and ran off the knock.

United had a lucky let-off as an effort from West Ham somehow squirmed agonisingly past the post with Valencia and de Gea hopelessly looking on from the touchline.

A change had to be made and eventually van Gaal made it in the 71st minute by bringing on Fellaini for Januzaj. Could Fellaini continue his habit of scoring as a substitute? His presence was felt almost from his entrance as his height advantage was working in United's favour.

Clattenburg awarded a free-kick to United for a foul on Rooney which was taken by Di Maria from distance and sailed high over the bar. This is exactly where United is struggling, dead ball situations, an area they have to improve on.

In the 76th minute, Falcao was played through on goal by a delightful van Persie flick but he prodded his shot wide as the keeper closed him down. That was United's best chance by far and in reality Falcao should have done a lot better.

Home keeper Adrian saved with his feet from a van Persie effort when, as with Falcao the Dutchman should have done better in a goalscoring position. This was immediately followed by a caution for Luke Shaw as he stopped a break from the home side.

As the match entered the last five minutes de Gea once again came to the rescue. Then at the other end Fellaini came so close to grabbing the equaliser but Adrian managed to get a hand to it down at the near post. Van Persie went down questionable on the edge of the box to earn United a free kick which Rooney fired straight into the wall. As the ball was put back in by Rojo it eventually came out to Blind who fired home with aplomb. A great finish by the Dutch midfielder similar to his goal at West Bromwich earlier in the season.

The downside to the excitement of earning a point was a second yellow and subsequent red for Shaw for a high challenge at the death. He will now miss the Burnley match on Wednesday. Until his dismissal, he had been United's man of the match.

The match ended 1-1 and a point shared for both sides, but you felt that Man United were the happier of the two teams.

Poor performances from too many players contributed in today's result, none more so than Januzaj and Falcao. Big Sam Allardyce's team is difficult to beat this season but United should have done a lot better in their approach to the match. The home side will be very disappointed to concede the late equaliser and will surely feel they let the Red Devils off the hook.

A big concern is the partnership up front of Falcao and van Persie, which in all honesty hasn't worked all season. I would be interested to know how different past results would have been if Rooney had been in his striker position with the Colombian or Dutchman as a partner. At the start of the season, my mouth was watering at the prospect of a forward line which included Rooney, van Persie, Falcao and Di Maria.

They didn't seem to be any urgency in United's play until West Ham scored and Felliani came on to the pitch. With Man City dropping points, we had a chance to close the gap on second place but didn't take it. Sure we didn't lose but we are United and over the years have always turned the screw after the New Year that is just not happening.

I will say it again Rooney's goalscoring talents are wasted in midfield and how van Gaal can not see that only he knows. Rooney is not a playmaker in the mould of Scholes and never will be.

Slightly worrying is the statistic that United haven't won a game in which they have conceded first in the Louis van Gaal era and they haven't won any away game in which they conceded first since December 2013.

Next up is the visit to Old Trafford of Burnley this coming Wednesday and a chance for United to pick up a valuable three points before the break for the FA Cup clash away at Preston.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.