Lingard Lords It Over Palace.

2016 FA Cup Final: Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2

Local lad Lingard became the hero as he won the FA cup in extra time for ten-man United with a blistering strike that lit up an otherwise ordinary final.

Manchester United have enjoyed a special relationship with the oldest club cup competition down the years that goes back to their first win back in 1909. Since then they have lifted the trophy eleven times but hadn't tasted success since 2004.

So, here was an ideal opportunity at the end of a poor league season to equal Arsenal's record by beating Crystal Palace and lift their first piece of silverware in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Louis van Gaal and his players made a point of saying that this one was for the long-suffering fans who have had to endure yet another campaign in which United have failed to deliver on the promises of a squad that unfortunately didn't materialise.

In what many believe, and the majority hope will be van Gaal's last match as the manager he chose a starting XI that didn't hold any surprises: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Fellaini, Rooney, Mata, Martial and Rashford.

Rojo came back into the side at left-back and Carrick kept his place in midfield in what could be his swansong for United. Fellaini was preferred to Herrera to partner Carrick along with Rooney.

There are always players who will be left disappointed in not starting a match of such importance among those must have been Lingard who was left on the bench in favour of Mata.

However, the one United player who must have felt devastated to be left out of the squad all together had to be Memphis who has endured a season in which his confidence seemed to have taken a battering and his omission won't help him in any way.

Palace got the final underway amid a wonderful atmosphere provided by both sets of fans.

Right from the off it became abundantly clear that Crystal Palace's tactics involved getting all the players behind the ball and use their pace on the counter-attack.

United played the majority of the first half around the edge of the opposition area but failed to take advantage of the chances that came up. Too many times they attempted to play through the middle with Rooney without the use of the wings.

Palace were happy enough to stand off Rooney and limit his passing options. The frustrations of the United players were clear for all to see as they were punished by the referee with three bookings for Smalling, Rojo and Mata.

Referee Mark Clattenburg didn't exactly endear himself to the Palace fans as not once but twice he didn't allow the advantage to be played following fouls by United. On the first occasion, they actually had the ball in the net but the play was called back and the second would have seen Ward through on goal but again Clattenburg blew his whistle much to the despair of an animated Palace manager Pardew on the touchline.

The first half ended, not for the first time in United's season, goaless, as they laboured in a pedestrian fashion at times. The match needed an injection of pace and imagination if goals were to come.

The United defence didn't really have a lot to do as most of the play was up at the other end. There were flashes of brilliance from Rashford and Martial who both spent the half looking for a way through the tight Palace defence. Carrick, in what was probably his last match, gave the ball away far too easily in dangerous positions and his lack of pace showed against the younger Palace players.

Van Gaal made no changes at the start of the second half. The match didn't take long to spring into life as first Fellaini crashed an effort against the bar after great approach play from Rashford. Then Martial saw his headed effort come back off the post. It was looking as if it could be one of those days.

Rojo's final came to an end on the hour mark when he was caught by a late lunge from Delaney that on closer inspection warranted more than the yellow he received. The Argentinian did try to carry on but was replaced by Darmian at left back.

This was followed by the departure of youngster Rashford after a defender had stamped on his knee. The way Palace were aggressively going into tackles was reminiscent of the 1990 replay.

Ashley young replaced Rashford and immediately slotted in at centre forward with Martial on the left. A positional tactic that not for the first time baffled the fans.

All of Palace's plans came to fruition in the 78th minute when they took the lead through substitute Puncheon who managed to beat De Gea from the tightest of angles. Not a mean feat. 1-0 to the Eagles and boy did their fans celebrate.

Ten minutes to go in the final and fans wondered how United would react. The answer came so quickly, within two minutes to be exact.

United levelled when Rooney decided the only way past the tight Palace defence was to run at them with the ball which he did with fantastic effect. Eventually, he sent over a cross which Fellaini chested down into the path of Mata who dispatched a shot that found the net after a slight deflection.

The game had come to life and with extra time looming van Gaal introduced Lingard for scorer Mata.

The Red Devils looked to have the upper hand at the start of the first period of extra time as the Palace players looked shattered both physically and mentally. Only former red Zaha continued to be a thorn in United's defence and it took heroic defending from Blind to prevent a goal.

Then as is always the case with United they made it harder for themselves when Smalling was sent off for a second yellow card after he had brought down Bolasie. To be honest, it was a harsh booking for Smalling but he was deceived by the forward's pace.

Down to ten men, it would take a huge amount of effort for United to win the match before being resigned to penalties.

United's player of the season came to the rescue in the second period as De Gea managed to get a boot to deny an effort by Gayle.

Then a chance for Carrick to write his name in United history as he found himself unmarked in the Palace area only to send his header wide of the goal when it looked certain he would become the match hero.

That honour fell to the feet of Jesse Lingard who netted the winner in the 110th minute. A cross from the right from the ever busy Valencia was only half cleared and there was Lingard lurking in the box to smack home a shot that was so sublime in its execution it will one of those Wembley goals that will be drooled over with every viewing.

There was still time for De Gea to thwart Zaha as he dived bravely at the wingers feet and received a knock on his head for his troubles.

When the final whistle blew it prompted jubilant scenes from the players and the bench as the reality sank in that they had actually won the cup after being reduced to ten-men and came from behind to fully deserve their victory. Even Louis van Gaal leapt from the bench jumping with joy into the arms of his assistant Ryan Giggs.

In all reality, it wasn't the greatest of finals but a lot of that was down to the way Palace had set out their stall. United were left frustrated many times but to their credit, they never gave up even when they had fallen behind and a player short.

Performances from the likes of Blind, Mata, Fellaini and Martial kept the dream alive. However, Rooney was the man once again who was at the centre of all United's moves and even though he was guilty at times of wasteful passes it was his inspirational run that provided the equaliser. As regards the man of the match then that would have to go to Valencia who completed his duties in defence and attack to great effect.

A last special mention has to go to the hero of the day Jesse Lingard. How refreshing it is in this modern game of football and its millions that it was a local lad from Warrington who came up through the ranks at United to score the goal that will be forever remembered and celebrated by United fans all over the world.

With the cup victory United have finally ended their drought with the first major trophy in three years. The big question has to be whether it is enough to save van Gaal's tenuous position as manager? No sooner had the final whistle blown the media vultures circled the Dutchman looking for answers. At least let the man celebrate the victory before writing his obituary. There will be plenty of time for that.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Mercurial Martial Wins Wembley Thriller.

Everton 1 Manchester United 2

The brilliance of Anthony Martial in injury-time booked Manchester United a return trip to Wembley after an enthralling semi-final against Everton.

Playing in the FA Cup final at Wembley is the match that all players strive to achieve at least once in their career. Even the foreign players understand how special it is to appear in the season-ending showpiece.

Representing a last chance of a trophy this season for both sides gave the game that extra bite as United looked to overcome an Everton side who themselves have had a poor campaign.

Both Louis van Gaal and Roberto Martinez have endured a torrid time of it this season with criticism coming in heavy from the media and more importantly the fans for poor tactics and team selection. So it is a pretty safe bet to assume that at least one of them will not be at the helm next season even if they do manage to lift the cup come May.

With almost a fully fit squad to choose from van Gaal decided to pick this as his starting XI: De Gea, Fosu-Mensah, Blind, Smalling, Rojo, Carrick, Fellaini, Rooney, Lingard, Martial and Rashford.

A few eyebrows were raised when the starting team was announced, but there was only one change from the side that beat West Ham in the quarter-final replay and that was Rooney in place of Herrera.

Fellaini was picked to partner Carrick in midfield. Carrick had endured a tough game up against Barkley in the recent league encounter, but this time around he would get the upper-hand.

The trio of Schneiderlin, Herrera and Mata would start on the bench. After scoring his first goal for the club in midweek Darmian would also be on the sidelines and the promising Fosu-Mensah would start in his place at right-back. Rojo returned to the lineup at left-back to make his 50th appearance for the Red Devils.

Rooney made his 20th appearance for United in midfield against his boyhood club and had the youngsters Lingard, Martial and Rashford ahead of him in attack.

United kicked off the match and within the first five minutes, either side could of and should have taken the lead. The first chance fell to Fellaini who headed a Blind corner too weakly straight into the keepers arms then it was Lukaku who raced down the other end and managed to beat De Gea only to see his goal-bound effort brilliantly headed off the line by captain Rooney.

An inswinging free-kick by Rooney was met in the box by Rojo but his header went wide. The match had started with the two sides on the attack and you felt that both defences were going to be kept busy throughout the game.

The speed of United's attack was breathtaking at times and this was proven when Lingard beat the offside trap and connected with a ball over the top from Rooney that unfortunately was aimed straight at the keeper, who gratefully collected.

Lukaku had a second chance to put the Toffees in the lead, but De Gea blocked his shot after he had raced past Smalling and latched onto a ball from United old boy Cleverley. How many chances were the Reds going to give the Belgian forward?

The fast pace of the game would truly test the fitness of Rooney, who had only just returned to the team after a long injury. He was covering every blade of grass of the big Wembley pitch, in his deeper lying role.

There was a great chance for Martial after a neat passing move, however, when the ball arrived at his feet, he blasted well over the bar from the left side of the penalty area. It really could have been at least 2-2 within the first twenty minutes.

A nod down by Fellaini from a Blind cross fell to the feet of Rashford who side-footed a shot straight at the keeper.

After half an hour and a frantic start to the match Everton managed to slow the proceedings down until the 34th minute when United attacked the left side of the penalty area through the lively pair of Rashford and Martial and when the latter pulled the ball back there was Fellaini to sweep the ball into the net to put United into the lead against his former club. It was no less than United had deserved after their penetrating attacking play.

Half-time and United led by the Fellaini goal and enjoyed a half that was full of attacking play and it was a surprise that it was only 1-0. Martial had a superb half down the left and looked dangerous every time United went forward.

Everton looked poor in defence, especially the full-backs and apart from the two chances for Lukaku were not on the same level as United and if they managed to keep the score down to only one goal it would be a surprise.

Everton started the second half with United hoping to build on their dominance of the first half with no changes having been made by either manager.

The blues started the half brightly and mounted a few forays into the opposition's area to no effect as the United defenders were on their toes to any danger.

There was a golden opportunity that fell to Lingard, but the youngster snapped at his shot from a great position and it had to be put down to a wasted chance.

In the 56th minute controversy hit the match after Fosu-Mensah was adjudged to have brought down Barkley inside the area which he clearly hadn't but referee Taylor decided to award a spot kick.

Up stepped Lukaku who blasted a shot towards the bottom left-hand corner. However, there was that man De Gea to save at full stretch and deny the Toffees an unworthy equaliser. Justice was definitely served and United was once again grateful to the Spanish keeper.

Soon after the penalty miss van Gaal replaced Fosu-Mensah with Valencia.

The penalty miss seemed to provide Everton with more confidence as they piled the pressure on United and had a real go. For all their effort couldn't find a way past United's defence.

There was yet another penalty shout in the 66th minute this time against Jagielka who clearly handled the ball while falling to the ground by the near post under pressure from Fellaini. In all honesty Jagielka should have seen red as well but the referee turned a blind eye to the incident.

Everton at least tried to make more of a game of it and United was caught out in the 75th minute as Smalling unwittingly diverted a wicked low cross into his own net to make the score level.

The Blues were by now on the front foot as United tried to regroup and start all over again. Would they rue the missed chances in the first half?

De Gea was on hand again to palm away an effort from the substitute Deulofeu. Then Lukaku missed yet another chance to put his side ahead when he should really have scored. That was at least his fourth attempt on goal not including the penalty.

As the match entered the final five minutes Martial delivered a smart low cross from the left that Lingard was only inches away from tucking away. This was certainly a game of missed chances as both sides pounded each others area.

Van Gaal made a change in the last four minutes when he brought on Herrera for scorer Fellaini and his first taste of action was to be booked for a rugby tackle on Barkley, who was also cautioned for complaining.

An outstanding game still had one twist in the tale as late as the 92nd minute. Martial started a move from the left-hand touchline and played two one-twos first with Rashford then with Herrera. He collected Herrera's fortunate flick on and strode confidently into the box and as cool as you like slid the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner to send United deliriously into the final.

A goal made and finished by the sensational French striker whose all-round display was brilliant, to say the least. The only downside was the yellow card he received for his celebrations with the United faithful. A ridiculous rule that has to be changed.

An astonishing end to a match that had all the ingredients you would expect from a cup tie. Drama and excitement with no end of chances for both sides and a penalty save to boot.

On another day, Lukaku would have netted at least one of his many chances and the same goes for Lingard, who must be grateful to Martial for eventually grabbing the winner.

Fosu-Mensah and Smalling will also be thanking their teammates De Gea and Martial for saving their blushes.

As a team it has to be said that to a man the whole United side played superbly well and deserve so much credit for keeping their heads when Everton turned the screw during the second-half. At both ends United had two main heroes in De Gea and Martial, but it is the Frenchman that takes my vote for the man of the match award for topping off a mesmerising display with his cool late, late finish.

In the end, it will be United who return to Wembley at the end of the domestic season looking to end the long wait to lift the old trophy for the first time since 2004.

That's all for now as I'm off to catch my breath.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

FA Cup Semi-Final Preview: Man Utd vs Everton.

Manchester United v Everton. FA Cup semi-final.

Hopefully, come Saturday evening it will be third time lucky for Manchester United after they face Everton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

The previous two meetings between the clubs at this stage came in 1966 and 2009 and on both occasions the Merseysiders came out on top to reach the final.

In a season that has once again fallen below the expectations of United and their fans the oldest club cup competition is the last chance of silverware for the Red Devils. Standing in their way of reaching the final for the 19th time is an Everton side who has also had a turbulent season.

Both Louis van Gaal and Roberto Martinez have come in for severe criticism from the fans for their management styles in a campaign that has left the sides unable to mount a challenge for the title and is left to concentrate on the cup to salvage some pride.

United will go into the match as favourites after the latest round of matches which saw the Reds defeat Crystal Palace without too much effort, but saw Everton succumb to a demoralising 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Having said that league form goes out of the window when it comes to the cup so we can expect a match that will probably be a tight affair but with the pace up front in United's young attack the majority of chances should fall the way of United.

In Martial and Rashford United have two forwards who have the skill, pace and capability to change the course of a game in an instant add to that their all round commitment and desire to win then the Everton defence will not relish coming up against them.

The midfield will be the area where the game will be of great interest and who van Gaal will deploy to try and control the middle will be intriguing, to say the least.

Schneiderlin should be a shoe in after his recent displays, but who will partner him? Carrick has been performing below par of late and in the recent clash against Everton he came off second best against Barkley. Former blue Fellaini could get the nod against his former club, but again, he has not exactly set the world alight this season. So it looks possible that Mata and a deeper lying Rooney will be called upon as they were against Palace.

Van Gaal seems to prefer Lingard to Herrera in the advanced role and the youngster has not let his side down. Herrera would also be a good choice as he has more experience and his partnership with Mata could suit this type of game in which fast passing moves to keep up the attacking momentum will be crucial.

At the back, Smalling and Blind will have their hands full with Lukaku but should prevail as they have built up a decent partnership over a season which has seen the defence keep seventeen clean sheets in the League.

The full backs chosen from Fosu-Mensah, Darmian, Valencia and Rojo have to beware of the threat of the forward runs of Baines and the skills of Spanish winger Deulofeu.

If Everton does get through the Red defence then they will still have to get past the best keeper in the world, David De Gea. He has saved his side on numerous occasions this campaign with stops that have been truly world class and which he makes consistently week in week out. It wasn't a surprise that he was the only United player to be named in the PFA team of the year this week.

In the end, United should have the firepower to outscore Everton and reach their first final since losing to Chelsea in 2007 and in doing so go some way to repay the faithful that have gotten behind the team even through the difficult times.

As a footnote the sooner the FA revert back to using neutral grounds for the semi-finals the better. It used to be the icing on the cake at the end of a long season for both fans and players alike to make their way to Wembley for the end of season Final. However, that special feeling has been taken away, and for two teams from the north-west to have to travel to the capital does not make geographical or financial sense.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

United On The March To Wembley.

West Ham United 1 Manchester United 2

Man United came out on top in a typical cup tie in which two evenly matched teams battled it out in a replay for a place at Wembley.

The tie took place on a wet evening under the floodlights within a packed house in the last FA Cup tie to be played at Upton Park add to that the goalmouth drama towards the end and it all ensured that nerves were on edge right until the final whistle.

In a season already short on expectations for a club of Manchester United's stature here was a make-or-break cup tie that would determine if once again they would end another season empty handed.

After the capitulation against Spurs over the weekend van Gaal decided to tweak his starting eleven: De Gea, Fosu-Mensah, Blind, Smallng, Rojo, Carrick, Herrera, Felliani, Lingard, Martial and Rashford.

The impressive young defender Fosu-Mensah recovered from his knock last time out to take his place at right back. There were recalls for Herrera and the much maligned Fellaini. Carrick somehow kept his place after some poor displays of late and Rooney was deemed fit enough to join Mata, Young, Schneiderlin, Valencia and Memphis on a pretty strong looking bench.

The home side got the match underway amid a chorus of cheers from both sets of fans inside the compact stadium.

Lingard showed great early awareness as he played a delightfully weighted pass to Rojo on the left wing who in turn sent over an early cross into the box that was cleared by the home defence.

West Ham put De Gea and his defenders under pressure early doors as they threatened to open the scoring with a flurry of free kicks in dangerous areas all taken by Payet who looked the likeliest of players to score from set pieces.

Fosu-Mensah seemed to have his hands full at right back with both Payet and Lanzini testing the youngsters nerves.

United worked their first shot towards goal following a run by Fellaini. The Belgian chose to pass to Rashford whose effort was blocked for a corner. Martial was left fuming at Fellaini's choice of pass as he was totally unmarked on the left edge of the area.

There was a great chance for Fellaini to put United ahead as he struck from close range, but his goal-bound effort was somehow saved by Hammers keeper Randolph.

Twenty minutes played and after the home side had started well United enjoyed their best period and could have burst West Hams' bubble on a couple of occasions if it wasn't for their usual poor finishing and dire deliveries from corners.

The recalled Herrera enjoyed a bit of freedom in the midfield and showed his quality of vision as he picked out the runs of his forwards time and time again.

United's captain on the night Carrick was booked for a blatant block on the advancing Valencia deep in his own half. From the resulting Payet free kick Lanzini blasted over De Gea's bar. United had to be more careful not to give too many cheap fouls away.

The visitors worked an opportunity for Lingard after a brilliant surging run by Rashford and as Lingard only had the keeper to beat, he placed his shot well, but Randolph stuck out his boot to make the save.

That was the second clear chance to fall for United and you got the feeling that with the space West Ham was giving them the Red Devils should have put one of those chances away.

Next up was Carrick to see his shot squirm just wide of the post. It would have been fitting if he could have scored a goal at his former club in the last cup tie at the ground.

Just before the break Rojo wad cautioned for a careless foul which was followed by a yellow for Carroll.

Half-time and to be honest United had the better of the play and created the most chances and if not for the Hammers' keeper would have gone in ahead at the break.

They managed to pass the ball around well and had a good balance about them as they played the game at their own tempo which took the sting out of the home side's game at the same time quietening down the home fans.

The worrying factor had to be yet another first half in which United had failed to find the back of the net and you worried that the missed chances would come back to haunt them in the second half.

United got the second half underway and van Gaal decided not to replace Rashford with Ashley Young as he had surprisingly against Spurs.

An early swerving effort from Lingard in the opening minutes showed United's intent as they piled the pressure on West Hams penalty area. At the other end, De Gea had to be alert to save low at his near post from a long range effort from Kouyate.

Then in the 52nd minute it was the turn of the man of the moment Marcus Rashford to turn the tie in United's favour in spectacular fashion as he opened the scoring with a piece of individual skill to bend in a screamer into the top far corner of the goal to put United 1-0 up after being played in by Martial.

A lead that they fully deserved and what a strike from Rashford as his confidence knows no bounds at the moment.

The home fans tried to raise the atmosphere and they all jumped to their feet when they believed a penalty should have been awarded against Carrick and Blind but thankfully referee Roger East waved away the claims.

United's lead was doubled in the 66th minute by Fellaini who bundled the ball home with his knee after some poor home defending to put the visitors firmly in control of the tie. The goal led to the 5,000 away fans blaring out the fact that United was going to Wembley.

Following the goal, a jubilant van Gaal decided to replace Rojo with Valencia which meant that Fosu-Mensah switched full-back roles for the last twenty minutes.

Herrera became the third United player to be booked after a high boot against Payet. Shortly afterward he was injured in a challenge and had to be replaced by Schneiderlin. West Hams' captain Noble decided that Herrera wasn't leaving the pitch quick enough so took it on himself to carry the Spaniard off much to the joy of the home fans.

Another Spaniard was called into action as De Gea saved with his feet at his near post. But in the next attack West Ham pulled a goal back after Tomkins headed in bravely from close range. Game on.

The goal set up a very nervy last ten minutes as United tried to relieve the pressure by keeping the ball, which frustrated the home players and fans, but the youngsters in white showed their willingness to get through to the semi-finals.

Then in true FA cup drama as full time approached the best keeper in the world made a brilliant double save as De Gea kept the ball out in outstanding fashion and in doing so kept his side in the cup. The Hammers did manage to get the ball in the net at the third attempt but it was ruled offside.

Wayne Rooney made a return to first team action when he replaced scorer Rashford in injury time. What followed was a frantic end to a match that was true to the romance of the cup as United persevered and made it through to a semi-final against Everton.

There were some outstanding players on display tonight, including the revelation at the back Fosu-Mensah along with Fellaini, Herrera and Carrick holding firm in the middle.

De Gea had yet another superb night in goal and was so close to the man of the match. However, that honour has to go to goal machine Marcus Rashford who once again showed his cool head and quick feet to provide the platform for the victory.

Louis van Gaal is between a rock and a hard place as even if he manages to bring the FA Cup to Old Trafford the campaign will still be considered a failure especially as if expected there will be no Champions League football next season.

In the meantime, the team should be applauded for the way they overcame West Ham and set up a tasty match at Wembley against Everton.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

 

Martial Bursts The Hammers Bubble.

Manchester United 1 West Ham United 1

Martial keeps cup hopes alive.

A much needed equaliser from Anthony Martial, following a superb opening goal by Payet, kept Manchester United in the FA Cup after another uninspiring display at Old Trafford.

The return of the FA Cup, which is conceivably the last chance of silverware for the Red Devils, saw the visit of high-flying West Ham United to Old Trafford in a match that would have a strong bearing on how United's campaign will end.

How would van Gaal and his coaches pick their players up for a tie against a Hammers side that under the guidance of Bilic have performed exceedingly well this season? Especially with their playmaker Payet.

Van Gaal decided to make three changes to the team who lost against Liverpool as Carrick, Lingard and Herrera came in for Schneiderlin, Memphis and the suspended Mata. 17-year-old defender RoShaun Williams became the latest youngster to be given a chance by van Gaal. The locally born lad was placed on the bench.

United's starting XI: De Gea, Varela, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Lingard, Martial and Rashford.

United got the tie underway amid a buoyant atmosphere attacking the old Scoreboard End and it was Rashford who immediately stretched his legs with a run into the opposition area and earned the first corner of the match which was headed over by Fellaini.

In the build up Martial received a nasty-looking kick to his shin which Reid was quite rightly booked for by referee Atkinson.

Lingard had the next chance in a game that was an open affair, but his effort was wide of the far post.

The visitors came close when Antonio managed to work his way through United's defence and thankfully pulled his shot just wide of a stranded De Gea.

Ten minutes in and the match was a typical open FA Cup tie with both sides attacking at will. Carroll was the next to have a go with a flying header that whistled over De Gea's bar.

Martial recovered from the bad challenge in the opening minutes and won a corner after a run down the left-hand side. When delivered it almost had Rashford in on goal.

Jesse Lingard cut in from his position on the right wing but his low effort lacked any real power as it trickled wide. From the same wing, Varela delivered a teasing cross that Rashford met acrobatically but couldn't get the connection needed.

It was the visitors turn to attack and they came near to the opener as Emenike met an inviting cross from Cresswell and his header looked goal bound until De Gea saved on the line.

Then it was back up the other end as Herrera tried his luck from the edge of the area, but he mishit his strike and it was deflected behind for a corner but the referee didn't spot it and awarded a goal kick, much to the displeasure of the Spaniard.

As the game approached the half hour mark one thing was clear and that was Martial had the bit between his teeth as he terrorised the defence with his mesmerising runs down the left wing.

The best chance of the half fell to Herrera after fine combination work by Martial and Rojo who played the ball to the Spaniard who was unmarked inside the area, however he seemed to rush his shot and the ball ballooned high and wide.

Rashford had a similar chance to Herrera's and, this time, it was blocked for a corner. United enjoyed the majority of the possession and chances in the first thirty minutes, but would have to keep an eye on Payet and his teammates on the counter.

Not for the first time in his United career Fellaini picked up a needless caution for a foul on Noble that really didn't have to be made. United continued to allow the Hammers to bully them into giving away free kicks and this time, it was Rashford's turn to come back and in trying to help out his defenders only succeeded in putting his teammates in more trouble.

As the half drew to a close West Ham had the last chance when Cresswell delivered a threatening cross from the right, which De Gea did well to cut out before it could cause any damage.

Both teams went in at half-time ruing their missed chances in a half that was as open as it could get. Once again United's inability to put the ball in the net left the fans frustrated, especially knowing how big a threat the visitors have been all season.

After trying the duo of Carrick and Fellaini to little or no effect, maybe it was time for van Gaal to unleash Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger on the midfield to try and add that extra bite needed to push the Reds forward.

The visitors started the second half on the attack and almost caught the defence out with a dangerous ball into the box which De Gea was quick to react to as he punched away the ball.

United's first corner of the half had the players shouting in unison for a penalty for an alleged handball in front of the Stretford End. It would turn out to be the start of the referee waving play on from appeals.

A great passing game move by the home side almost opened the visitors defence until Payet brought down Lingard right on the edge of the area.

From the resulting Herrera free kick Martial almost sneaked in unnoticed at the far post and his header was blocked by a defender's hand. For the second time the referee saw no intention made. This upturn in action had the home fans raising the volume within the Theatre of Dreams.

In the next attack, the ball was worked along the edge of West Ham's penalty area where eventually Herrera blasted the ball goalwards only for his effort to be blocked by Reid's hand. That's was the third clear-cut handball inside the visitors' box, all of which were ignored by Martin Atkinson.

At least, Atkinson balanced the books by not awarding Payet a penalty when he deliberately dived in the area. If the ref believed that Payet dived then he should have been cautioned and sent off as he had been booked for an earlier foul on Lingard.

Right on cue in the 68th minute, Payet stepped up to deliver a superb free-kick which flew into the top corner past a despairing De Gea to give the visitors a 1-0 lead and sink United into more despair.

Twenty minutes left on the clock and van Gaal still hadn't made a change when quite clearly the players on the pitch were not providing the goods needed to turn the tie around. Even Carrick added to the woes with a late lunge on Lanzini that deserved the yellow it received.

Then with fifteen minutes to go van Gaal finally decided to freshen things up with double substitution when Fellaini and Rashford made way for Schweinsteiger and Memphis. There was a round of applause as Fellaini departed. However, it was more for the fact he had been substituted than for his performance.

In the frantic few minutes that followed the change Herrera had another shot blocked and Schweinsteiger blasted wildly wide. Time was quickly running out for United as they stared defeat down the barrel as they looked incapable of scoring an equaliser let alone a winner.

Then up stepped Martial to creep in at the far post to tap home a superb cross from Herrera to make it 1-1. Game on and could United find the winner in the final seven minutes? The crowd thought so judging by the noise levels as they urged the players to attack.

Carrick had a shot which squirmed just wide of the post. This was followed by the last change by van Gaal as he withdrew Varela for Darmian.

A shot from distance by Antonio in added time almost caught out De Gea but thankfully he reacted quickly and saved low to his right.

That was the last piece of action of the match as United hung on in the cup by the thinnest thread after falling behind to West Ham and unconvincingly clawing their way back into the tie to earn a second chance in the replay in the capital. A draw was probably the fairest result after a less than convincing display be referee Atkinson.

For United the outstanding players were Herrera, Martial and De Gea who all kept their side in the cup when other players struggled to get a grip on the game. When Schweinsteiger entered the fray United looked a different side and one can only hope that he starts in the upcoming matches.

Next up is the second leg of the Europa League tie against Liverpool at Old Trafford and the concern has to be where are the goals going to come from without conceeding at the other end. The man that has all the answers is Louis van Gaal, who has his work cut out over the next few days if he wants to save his and Man United's season.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

United Tame The Shrews.

Shrewsbury Town 0 Manchester United 3

After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of FC Midtjylland in the Europa League here was a chance for van Gaal and his beleaguered side to put some passion and a semblance of pride back into their game.

Playing against the lowest ranked team still left in the FA cup and with a tasty home tie against West Ham awaiting the winner in the quarterfinals should have been incentive enough for the Red Devils to ease through the 5th round.

With so many players injured van Gaal once again turned to a mixture of experience and youth with a starting XI comprised of: Romero, Varela, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Mata, Lingard, Memphis and Martial.

United got off to a quick start in their changed strip of all white as they won a corner in the first minute. Blind's delivery was met by the head of Smalling, but the captain's header was over the bar.

Memphis tried a couple of long range efforts but each shot only just managed to stay in the small ground, which was bouncing with noise from both sets of fans. A true cup tie atmosphere.

It was after ten minutes that the Shrews keeper Leutwiler was first tested and that was from a low drive from Memphis that he managed to palm to safety. It was all United without the final punch.

Herrera tried his best to kick the ball out of the stadium, but failed as his shot only reached row W. Maybe he and Memphis had a side bet on who could belt the ball into the car park first.

After twenty minutes and the home side were holding out against United who just couldn't find the killer touch to warrant all their possession. Same old story of the season. But even United would find it difficult not to carve out a clear-cut chance in the remaining seventy minutes, surely.

The away side were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area which was taken by Memphis, but on the way to goal the ball struck the back of Martial's head and went out for a goal kick. It looked like the ball was on the way to the corner of the net. It totally summed up United's play at the moment.

Martial then almost turned the tie in United's favour with a show of quick feet inside the area and a shot which was saved by the keepers legs then cleared off the line by Grandison. That was by far the closest United had come to taking the lead.

Then up stepped skipper Smalling in the 37th minute to do what his forwards couldn't and scored the goal the team badly needed. It started with a strong headed challenge by Schneiderlin that fell nicely into the path of Smalling who had stayed upfield following a corner.

The defender showed calmness under pressure and struck the ball into the ground and on its way towards goal it took a deflection and looped into the goal. 1-0 ahead and you would expect the Red Devils to put this game to bed as soon as possible. They continued to attack and the pressure paid off right on the stroke of half-time.

It became 2-0 to United as Shrewsbury gave away another free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of their area and, this time, up stepped Mata to deliver a perfectly placed shot bent over the wall and into the back of the net to put the tie beyond any doubt. There was a claim that three United players were standing in an offside position between the wall and keeper as Mata struck his shot, therefore it could be claimed they were obstructing Leutwiler's view as he was rooted to his line.

Half-time and United were comfortably leading a tie they had controlled from the first whistle even if at times they had made it look more difficult than it should have been.

Shrewsbury had not troubled United at any time but had been fairly overzealous in some of their challenges which the referee would have to keep an eye on in the second half. The image of the half had to be the smile on van Gaal's face when Smalling put his team 1-0 ahead.

United started the second half and van Gaal made one change to his side by giving a first team debut to young full-back Joe Riley who replaced Borthwick-Jackson at left back.

The away side picked up where they had left off in the first half by immediately going on the attack and caused panic in the home defence and won an early corner.

There were two close attempts on goal within minutes as first Memphis showed his determination with a run and shot that flew inches wide then Martial watched his close-range header go agonisingly wide.

Just after the hour mark, United sailed into a three-goal lead through a smart finish by Lingard, who put the ball away on the half-volley at the far post following a delightfully flighted ball by Herrera. The move was started with a huge throw out by Romero which caught the home defence well and truly on the back foot.

Within minutes of the goal wand with clearly an eye on two important games coming up van Gaal decided to withdraw Mata and replaced him with Pereira.

With twenty minutes left on the clock van Gaal made his final change of the match by giving Martial a well-deserved rest and put Keane on up front.

Lingard almost grabbed his second, however, he got the ball tied up to his feet before he could get away a shot.

Once again the away fans were in fantastic voice making the majority of the noise inside the stadium of just over 9,000 spectators.

Will Keane's first taste of action almost saw him score the fourth goal, but his left-footed strike hit the post. Unfortunately for the young forward it was his last taste of action as he had to leave the field with what looked like a groin strain. So, having used up all their substitutes, United had to see out the final fifteen minutes of the match with only ten men.

The home side did, at least, have an attempt on goal as late as the 84th minute, which United's defence managed to clear. Suddenly Shrewsbury had a belief that they could score as Ogogo had a totally free header which he directed across the goal and wide. In all honesty, Romero should have picked the ball out of his net after the striker was left unmarked and in a great goal scoring position.

At the death, Memphis was still trying to get his name on the scoresheet but the keeper managed to block his close-range effort.

Cole came close for the Shrews with a shot that only just went over Romero's bar. You wonder what would have happened if Shrewsbury had played the whole match with as much energy as they had shown in the final ten minutes.

Full-time 3-0 and, in the end, a job well done by United. If not scintillating football is was a vast improvement on recent results and sets up a mouth-watering home tie in the quarterfinals against West Ham United. But let us not forget that this was a victory against a Football League One side and there will be tougher teams ahead. For United it was a step in the right direction.

Next up is the small matter of the return tie against FC Midtjylland and another chance for van Gaal and his team to reignite the season and make amends for the first leg.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.