Man United Win At Last

Manchester United 2 Swansea City 1

Manchester United began the year in a positive mood with a hard fought victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford.

Goals from Martial and Rooney, the first time they have scored in the same match, ensured that United kick started 2016 with a much-needed win and a valuable 3 points.

United's first match of the year and it couldn't have been against a trickier opponent than the team from South Wales, who have held a certain jinx over the Red Devils and van Gaal.

Swansea had won four out of the last five meetings between the two sides in all competitions and were the team that welcomed van Gaal to the English game when they beat his side at Old Trafford in his first match in charge.

So, in United's current predicament of not having won in the last eight games of 2015, the Swans would certainly provide a stern test for United.

Van Gaal decided to make one change from the side that performed to a level that deserved more than the point they obtained in the goalless draw against Chelsea and that was to recall Jones into the defence in place of Darmian.

United's starting XI consisted of: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Jones, Blind, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Mata, Herrera, Rooney And Martial.

Swansea got the game underway at a rain-soaked Old Trafford but the weather didn't dampen the home fans voices as they got behind their players from the start. It was Herrera, who almost worked his way into a shooting position within the first minute only to be denied as he readied to pull the trigger.

The home side started the match as they had left off against Chelsea on the attack with Blind and especially Young providing openings down the wings.

The visitors sat back looking to attack on the counter, which they did when Ayew found some space but failed to make good use of the ball. Something that United would have to be wary of.

Swansea set up to put pressure on United whenever the home defenders had the ball which seemed to unsettle Smalling and his defenders who tended to rush the play out of their own half.

At the other end, United lacked ideas as to how to break through the back four as they tried to play their way through the middle when the width provided by Blind and Young would have been the better option to get behind the defence.

A cross delivered from Young fell to the unmarked Rooney at the far post, but his weak effort hit the side netting. Having only scored a handful of goals in 2015 that was a perfect chance for the captain to start the new year with a bang.

With thirty minutes on the clock, it was the same old familiar story of United being unable to break their opponents down and produce the goals that would not only lift the players but also the atmosphere within the Theatre of Dreams.

De Gea was made to work as he caught an effort from Routledge at full stretch. Martial was bundled off the ball on the edge of the box and it was the quick thinking Herrera, who took the kick quickly and played in Mata. His first effort was blocked then the keeper Fabianski saved the poor follow up shot far too easily.

Another cross from Young looped into the area and was met by the head of Rooney. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by three defenders and even though he did well to rise above the rest he failed to find the power needed.

Schneiderlin was having an off day as he was guilty of under-hitting his passes and on a couple of occasions was lucky to get away with handball decisions that could have easily gone against him.

Mata came close to grabbing the opener as he let fly with a shot inside the area, however, Fabianski collected the ball low on his line.

The only outlet for United was on the right wing as Young continued to play some great balls into the danger area. Just before half time, Smalling was cautioned for a foul on Ayew. There was one more chance for Rooney to head towards goal from yet another Young cross, but Fabianski was well placed to save on the line.

Half time and it was back to the mundane play that has dogged United for the last two months as they lacked inventiveness in front of goal and seemed bereft of confidence and ideas to put the dire situation right.

As the players trudged off the pitch they did so to a chorus of boos from the restless faithful that would surely spur them on to perform better in the second half.

United got the second half underway as they attacked the Stretford End with the one change being made by van Gaal and that was Darmian replacing Jones in defence.

Rooney forced a corner within seconds of the start with a deflected shot. Blind, the main corner taker, delivered a ball that the Swansea players put behind for another corner. Young picked up the clearance and sent over a cross that eluded Rooney, but there was Martial to power home a header to give the stadium a huge lift. Just the start that was needed from the Red Devils.

Young was proving to be the main tormentor of the visitors as he created chance after chance for United.

The goal within two minutes of the restart was exactly the tonic United needed and it also had the desired effect around the ground as the young French striker once again proved what a great goalscorer he is.

The home side seemed to have an air of confidence about their play winning tackles and being first to the loose balls. Rooney almost made it two when he managed to get a shot on target despite being marked by three players.

If anybody deserved something for his hard work it was definitely Young, who was running his socks off down the right wing and playing some delightful football, maybe he was the only one not to indulge too much over the New Year.

On the hour mark, Herrera side footed a shot over the bar and at the other end there was a warning as De Gea could only watch as Ayew headed against his near post.

Mata and Martial played a brilliant one-two inside the area, but the Frenchman's touch was a little heavy in the end. That style of play is exactly what has been missing over the last few months and was a welcome sight.

Martial obviously buoyed by his goal was proving to be a handful for the visitors as they struggled to contain his runs.

Then in the 70th minute, all the hard work was undone as Swansea grabbed an equaliser when Sigurdsson headed home unchallenged in the box.

Now it was all about how the home side would react to the setback after they had played so well prior to the equaliser.

React they did and in the 77th minute after some brilliant approach play by Martial United grabbed the lead through Rooney, who skillfully flicked the ball home after Martial showed great footwork to get past the defenders on the byline and played the ball into the path of his captain.

That goal puts Rooney in the outright position of second in the United all-time scoring record with 238. Only Sir Bobby Charlton is ahead of him.

Once the second had been scored van Gaal made his next change of the match by taking off the exceptional Young and replacing him with McNair.

Five minutes before the end, Blind clumsily brought down Barrow in a dangerous area and was booked for his troubles.

With the minutes ticking away the nerves were palpable around the great stadium as Carrick replaced Herrera for the four minutes of added time. It was great to hear the cheers from the crowd in recognition of the work that the Spaniard had put into the match.

Carrick was making his 400th United appearance and immediately joined his teammates as they watched his keeper make his usual breathtaking stop from an effort at the death by Williams. The last action of the match saw the Swansea keeper push up for a corner which he headed just wide of De Gea's post.

Full time and, at last, a win for Man United that ended their dismal run and it was certainly nice to hear the cheers from the crowd as they made their way down the tunnel. Overall, it wasn't a performance that will be remembered, but the way they grounded out the result surely bodes well for the future. At times, they looked unstoppable, but as usual, they made hearts flutter with some nervy defending.

There were a handful of players who stood out including Mata and Herrera. Rooney, who spearheaded the attack where he should always be, Young never stopped digging out crosses from the right, but it has to be that man Martial who deserved the man of the match plaudits after not only scoring the opener and providing the assist for Rooney's winner, but he was a continual thorn in the Swan's defence for the whole 90 minutes.

All credit to the team who didn't buckle under the stress of conceding the equaliser and let's hope this victory can provide a platform for a decent run over the next few weeks.

The transfer window is now open and the opportunity to reinforce the forward line and defence with players who can add quality and ability to the current squad is of paramount importance if United are to mount a challenge on three fronts.

This week saw striker Will Keane recalled from his loan spell at Preston to help shore up United's attack. This was all well and good, however, it does beg the question why van Gaal allowed James Wilson to go out on loan? Keane has managed 2 goals in 20 matches compared to Wilson's 2 from 8.

Next weekend sees the return of the FA Cup to Old Trafford with the visit of Sheffield United. It would be great for the manager and players to take the competition seriously as it has been far too long that the club have held up the old trophy.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

United Lack Fight On Boxing Day

Stoke City 2 Manchester United 0

In a week that hasn't exactly seen much Christmas spirit aimed towards Louis van Gaal no amount of mince pies and wine will be able to hold the critics from the door as once again United succumbed to defeat in the most demoralising and depressing fashion.

It was imperative that van Gaal stopped the rot and quickly. So, with that in mind, he chose a side that had the huge responsibility of possibly saving his job. The starting XI he went for was: De Gea, Young, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Mata, Memphis and Martial.

Van Gaal produced a surprise by dropping Rooney to the bench and bringing back Herrera. The move could be with one eye on the Chelsea match on Monday or just down to form. With Schweinsteiger serving the final match of his ban Carrick was preferred to continue in the middle ahead of Schneiderlin. Jones was chosen again to partner Smalling at the back with Young continuing his role as the right wing back.

Martial had the opportunity to keep his goal scoring on the rise as he would spearhead the attack with the support of Memphis and Mata.

It was a blustery Britannia Stadium that welcomed both sets of fans looking to blow off their Christmas day festivities and get right behind the two teams. The main concern for the away fans had to be the form of Stoke's mercurial player Shaqiri.

United got the game underway with Fellaini starting the match playing in the number 10 position with Herrera lying deeper in the midfield, which bearing in mind the conditions wouldn't suit any high balls up to the Belgian.

The hosts started the brighter of the two sides as United struggled to get into a rhythm. Once they did get some movement going it was Herrera, who had the first effort from distance that didn't really trouble the keeper.

It was clear from the outset that like most teams playing United this season Stoke were not afraid of a Red Devils team that was clearly short on confidence.

United were guilty of providing the opposition far too much time on the ball and the home side seemed to enjoy running at the visitors with Shaqiri especially in the mood against Blind on the right wing.

Memphis almost sneaked a curling free-kick past Butland at his near post in the 18th minute, then up at the other end within a minute the Dutch winger badly messed up a back header that was so awful it allowed Johnson to set up Bojan to put Stoke in the lead.

Then the pressure was really put onto van Gaal's shoulders after Stoke won a free-kick right on the edge of the area after a handball by Young. The resulting free-kick was played square and up stepped striker Arnautovic to slam home a thunderbolt into the back of De Gea's net to make it 2-0.

Once again, no words could describe the state of United's play to put themselves into the position of being behind after half an hour. They only had themselves to blame.

Memphis did try and redeem himself with another attempt from distance after United had won a free-kick, but after it was parried by the keeper it was the lack of clinical finishing in Fellaini's follow-up that summed up the United team at present, weak and without belief.

Fellaini had another opportunity to grab a goal back, however, not for the first time this season he dithered on the ball at the crucial moment. United did manage to end the half with a flurry of corners, none of which troubled the home defence.

Devoid of ideas in all departments United went in at half-time having not only conceded two goals, but, more worringly, having not shown any of the conviction that is expected from players wearing the famous shirt.

The last time United came back from two goals down to win in a Premier League game was on the same day in 2013 away at Hull City. Just didn't get the feeling that was going to happen in this game.

The second half got underway with van Gaal making the expected change with Rooney replacing Memphis in the attack and at least they started on the front foot showing the urgency needed. Having said that the attacks lacked any fluid movement and were easily cancelled out by the home defence.

Young tried his best down the right wing and one of his attempted crosses was almost met by Rooney's head.

At the back, even the usually reliable Smalling was having a stinker, especially when attempting to play the ball out from the back with passes that we're way too short for his teammates. It really is no coincidence that his level does drop when he is paired with Jones in defence.

Fellaini was presented with a chance on a plate following great work on the byline by Rooney, but his close range shot was straight at the keeper when it looked odds on he would score. Then Mata had a sneaky effort saved under the bar by Butland.

United had the majority of possession after the hour mark, but you got the feeling that Stoke felt comfortable enough to let United come at them, so confident in fact they even withdrew playmaker Shaqiri with twenty minutes still on the clock.

Young saved United from any further damage with a superb interception to prevent Arnautovic getting onto a through ball to score his second. Great defensive play from Young, who to his credit hadn't stopped running up and down his wing all day.

The faces in the away dug out painted a picture that must have been shared by the millions of bewildered fans watching around the world the only difference being the men on the bench had the responsibility of doing something about the situation, but as always they sat unanimated at a time when the side needed leadership. Especially bearing in mind former red Mark Hughes never left the touchline and his team was winning.

For the final ten minutes of the match van Gaal made his last change, of what could very well turn out to be his United career, when he introduced Pereira for Herrera and the youngsters first piece of action was to be cautioned for a professional foul.

Pereira almost instantly made up for his mistake with a pass that provided Martial with a shooting chance that was well saved by Butland low to his left.

Game over and another defeat for the Red Devils with the question being how will van Gaal be able to survive this massive setback after his words of solidarity prior to the match?

Clearly, all is not well in-house and with the home fans taunting the beleaguered Dutch coach by chanting his colleague Jose's name, you really have to wonder if he will indeed call it a day himself and let someone else pick up the pieces.

Over the last season and a half, I for one have championed van Gaal as a manager even though not agreeing with his methods at times. I really believed that with his pedigree as a coach the good times would return to Old Trafford. But after this match, which was an opportunity to put the record straight, even I have to accept that enough is enough and maybe it's time to go forward with a new man at the helm.

However, that man should not be Ryan Giggs as being a legend doesn't suddenly make you a great manager. We need someone special who can reinvigorate and reinvent the side back to winning ways.

Whatever happens, in the next few days, it will be interesting to say the least, especially when you consider who United face at Old Trafford on Monday.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Pressure Mounts On United.

Manchester United 1 Norwich City 2

It never rains but it pours.

Rain lashed Old Trafford couldn't provide a hiding place for Louis van Gaal and his side as the Canaries flew in and stole all the three points to pile the pressure on the Dutchman's broad shoulders.

It should have been a welcome return to the comfort of Old Trafford for United. Unbeaten at the Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League this season they hosted newly promoted Norwich City who started the day in the bottom three so they couldn't possibly have posed a serious threat to United's aspirations.

Wait a minute! That's exactly what everyone said last week prior to the away match to another promoted side Bournemouth and we all know too well what happened there. It is the first time in 69 years that United have lost back to back matches against promoted sides.

This time round, things looked a lot rosier for the home team prior to the match with the return to the side of Smalling, Jones, Young and Rooney, who made a landmark 500th appearance for the Red Devils.

The starting XI was composed of: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Jones, Blind, Carrick, Mata, Fellaini, Memphis, Rooney and Martial.

The expectations from all quarters were high in a fixture that United had won at Old Trafford by the same scoreline, 4-0 on the last three occasions the teams had met.

United started the match in an attacking frame of mind and with Young filling in at right wing-back it provided an option the team haven't had in the last few matches with his forays down the right wing offering width to the play.

The home side thought they had taken the lead as early as the ninth minute after some nice interchanging play on the left-hand side of the visitors penalty area that ended in Rooney sticking the ball in the net only to be ruled offside. However, the intent was there from the home team for all to see.

Carrick was the holding midfield player which was a fairly easy job as Norwich lacked conviction going forward which allowed Fellaini and Mata to be involved in every attack.

As Norwich had clearly come to defend and wait for the counter it was an opportunity for United to push numbers forward to look for that confidence boosting opener.

If anything, United became a little over ambitious in attack with some players rushing the forward pass rather than taking the time to deliver a quality final ball.

As the match approached the half-hour it had all been United who had enjoyed the lion's share of possession and was performing better than in recent outings all they needed was a cool head to steady the ship in the final third.

Blind worked well down the left-hand side and provided some excellent deliveries that in all fairness, both Smalling and Fellaini should have done better with.

Rooney almost played Memphis in on goal with the pass of the match so far with a delightfully curled ball into the penalty area. Then a corner from Blind somehow evaded three forwards who were all waiting to pounce inside the visitor's six-yard box. The Reds were getting closer with each attack.

Then five minutes from half-time Norwich proved that they clearly hadn't read the script and caught United flat footed at the back as Jerome fired the visitors into a lead that nobody saw coming but could not be completely surprised by.

If one player should be blamed for the goal, then it has to be Phil Jones, whose rash lunge into an attempted tackle while Norwich attacked left his side in all kinds of disarray. He really didn't need to commit himself into the challenge and his basic error cost his team and it's not the first time he has been shown up in that way.

Half-time and there was a deflated feeling among the faithful as boos rang around the famous ground as the players trudged off the pitch heads hung, but in all fairness, this had been a better display from United and surely all the forward momentum would pay dividends in the second half to turn the match on its head.

Attacking the famous Stretford End United started the second half in the rain with a point to prove and that was if they had the desire, belief and commitment in themselves to turn things around.

It was the visitors who started the half with a spring in their step as if they had a new found belief that United was there for the taking and it was that man again Jerome, who rubbed salt into United's wounds by feeding his teammate Tettey who toe poked a strike past a despairing David De Gea to put the visitors into a two-goal lead.

Once again part of the problem was Jones who was woefully caught out at the back and was left wanting as Rooney lost possession on the half way line.

An uphill struggle had turned into a mountain to climb for van Gaal's side one that they didn't look like achieving based on recent outings.

The hour mark saw the introduction of fans' favourite Herrera in place of the disappointing Fellaini. A change that was met with huge cheers.

Six minutes later Martial pulled a goal back for United after he had fought well in the box to win the ball and smacked it into the back of the net. After the ball landed at his feet from a Rooney flick the French youngster showed great ball control to work himself a shot that gave the home side a new belief.

Since the introduction of Herrera, United looked a more dangerous side with the Spaniard providing the spark that was needed while his side were on the attack. His compatriot Mata came agonisingly close with a free kick that looked for one second that it would bend low into the net until the keeper Rudd managed to beat it away.

Norwich almost made it three and would have if it hadn't been for a save by De Gea low down to his left following an effort from Mulumbu. At the other end, it was the same old sad story of overhit crosses and wayward passes that blighted United's chances of finding a leveller. Smalling did have one last chance to grab a late point, but it wasn't to be.

The game was a lost cause for United and it now throws up a serious doubt about not only their title credentials, but also on the state of the team and where they go from this point on.

It's hard to put a finger on what the problem is but the pressure seems to be clearly playing on the players' minds as they struggled to break down yet another defence and seemed bereft of ideas which have to stem from the training ground.

Not only are the forwards still struggling to find the net, seven shots on target in their last four Premier League home games, but now the usually reliable defence has started to leak goals. Granted, they had the liability of Jones playing at the back, but even so something is not right when a team of internationals can't beat Norwich at home.

This was United's third defeat in a row and now they are without a win in the last six games it doesn't bode well for the upcoming final fixtures of 2015 Stoke City away and Chelsea at home.

Thanks to all my readers and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Miles Dunton.

The Hornets stung late by United.

Watford 1 Manchester United 2

After what has been an emotional week it was a return to the Premier League for Manchester United and an early kick off against newcomers Watford at Vicarage Road in which they showed a collective team spirit to come away with all the points.

There had been a question mark as to whether the friendly against England and France should have gone ahead, but it did and of course it was inevitable that a United player would pick up an injury and true to form they did as Anthony Martial left Wembley hobbling on a pair of crutches and Michael Carrick withdrew from the England squad with an injury.

Wayne Rooney did manage to notch up another goal for England and United badly needed him to continue that form in the absence of Martial, however, he was hit by an illness.

The bottom line was that Louis van Gaal had the hard task of putting out a side that could provide the firepower needed to overcome a Watford team who must have been delighted to hear of the visitors' injury woes.

With the lack of goals a problem during the last month the question was who the manager would play in attack to compensate for the missing players. In the end he decided to put out a starting XI consisting of: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Jones, Blind, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Mata, Lingard and Memphis.

Subs: Romero, McNair, Pereira, Rojo, Goss, Darmian and Rashford. The manager continued to blood young players by including Goss and Rashford in the squad.

The absence of United's two main strikers meant a return to the side for Memphis Depay and a chance for him to turn his season around after starting the campaign brightly only to be hit by a lack of form and it has to be said confidence. There was another opportunity for the man of the match in the last two outings, Jesse Lingard along with recalled Ander Herrera.

The choice of the back four was a little surprising with Young and Jones included at the expense of Rojo and Darmian who were both on the bench.

After both sets of players and fans stood together for a rendition of the French national anthem United started the match with the away fans once again in superb voice with their own chorus of Ooh-ahh Cantona and the players responded by attacking straight from the kick-off.

United started the game with a forward line composed of Memphis as the main striker flanked by Lingard and Mata with Herrera slotting in at No.10.

The home side tried their best to help United out with their striker crisis as Nyom almost sliced a clearance into his own net.

A bright start by the visitors who looked to attack whenever they had the ball and it was encouraging to see them do it at pace.

It didn't take long for Memphis to remind people that he wasn't a spent force after he volleyed United into a deserved lead in the 11th minute following a great cross into the box by Herrera. The way that Memphis waited on the shoulder of the defender before blasting the ball home was the stuff of a seasoned forward.

It was a start to the match that we haven't seen from United much this season a start full of pace, inventiveness and hunger provided by the improvised front line backed up by the midfield.

Watford did have an opportunity to equalise after United gifted them possession in midfield and gave them a two on one advantage, but the final strike by Ighalo was way off target which is no surprise as it's not the first time the Watford forward has bottled it under pressure this campaign.

Herrera's day ended early in the 24th minute when he pulled up with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Rojo which meant van Gaal had to reshuffle the team with Young switched to midfield, Rojo slotted into the center back spot and Jones moved to right back.

Schneiderlin had two chances to add a second the first when he almost smacked in a superb volley at the far post that was just inches over the bar and the second when he just failed to connect with a corner that was whipped into the area.

Exciting play from United but a second goal was needed to put the game to bed.

Memphis' new found confidence was on view as he tried his luck from distance which the keeper had to dive at full stretch to turn away for a corner.

An entertaining half by the visitors who fully deserved their lead in the match after controlling all positions on the park and even after the early departure of Herrera they didn't let up with the attacking play supported by the midfield with Schneiderlin in brilliant form and it was the Frenchman who could have ended the half with at least two goals.

United got the second half underway and immediately went on the attack as Memphis played in Lingard whose effort was saved by Gomes. Even Schweinsteiger tried his luck with a dipping drive that wasn't that far away.

Watford's Deeney tested whether De Gea was fully awake with a rasping shot that the keeper had to use both hands to save. This was the Hornets best period of play just before the hour mark and Schneiderlin had the awareness to block an effort in front of his keeper. United at this point badly needed a second goal.

After an hour, United's play had gone slightly off the boil and Watford began to creep more into the game and the home fans, who had been quiet, began to get behind their team.

They were almost silenced again as Mata broke forward and played a neat pass to Memphis, who after positioning himself shot wide of the far post when a pass to Lingard looked the better option.

Phil Jones was replaced by Paddy McNair for the final twenty minutes after it looked like Jones had succumbed to yet another injury.

Straight after the change De Gea proved once again why he is considered the best keeper in the world by making an unbelievable low reflex save down at his near post after a shot had been deflected goalward by Smalling. Truly world class goalkeeping by the Spaniard.

Young was cautioned on his return to his former stomping ground for a cynical foul as Watford looked to be on the break. The safe hands of De Gea came to the rescue again as he held on to a thunderbolt by that man Feeney from outside the area.

After all the attacking verve of the first half, this was turning out to be a nervy ending from United and if not for the outstanding saves of the keeper it could have been a very different story. With twelve minutes on the clock van Gaal pulled off Mata and brought Pereira into the play.

Then in the 85th-minute drama as Watford were awarded a slightly dubious penalty after Rojo was adjudged to have brought down Ighalo. Up stepped Deeney who smashed the spot kick past De Gea to equalise and set up a grandstand finish to the game.

United immediately went in search of the winner and Gomes came to the rescue when he acrobatically made a fingertip save to deny an impromptu back heel from Smalling.

In the next attack, the ball fell to Lingard, who was on the left of a crowded box and his snapshot was parried by the keeper only into the path of Schweinsteiger who showed great determination and managed to reach the ball and squared it back across the goal where it was bundled over his own line by Deeney. Justice had been done and the pure delight on the German's face as he ran away in celebration told the whole story as did Herrera's celebration in the dugout.

Game over and a valuable three points plucked at the death of a game that should have been wrapped up a lot sooner than it was.

United clearly coped brilliantly for the majority of the match with so many missing players and looked fluid in their movement until Herrera left the play and then they started to stutter a little. To be honest, the only player who could have slotted easily into the team's makeup would have been Martial.

Smalling, Rojo and Blind performed to their usual high standards and were for the most part in complete control of any attacks Watford mounted. In the midfield Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger had by far their best match together in United's colours. Memphis and Lingard put in morale-boosting performances up front, but they obviously tired towards the end after non-stop running.

However, the man of the match has to be David De Gea who produced saves of such high class that they had to be worth at least a couple of goals.

At the end of the drama United sat at the top of the league table if only for a short time and the last five minutes of the match brought back memories of days gone by. It was nice to see the team fight to the death and then celebrate with such aplomb and togetherness. Long may it last.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Patience is a virtue for United.

Manchester United 2 West Bromwich Albion 0

After breaking their goal drought in midweek, it was a return to the bread and butter of the Premier League for United and the visit of WBA to Old Trafford.

Could the Red Devils build on that win against CSKA Moscow and start to mount a serious challenge in the league? The 4-4-2 system against the Russians gave the fans what they wanted which was a more attack-minded side with Rooney and Martial utilised in tandem up front.

When Louis van Gaal announced his starting XI it became clear that he had embraced the style of play that best suited United by continuing with the same side and system that worked so effectively on Tuesday evening. The starting XI was made up of: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Schweinsteiger, Carrick, Mata, Lingard, Martial and Rooney.

Subs: Romero, Borthwick-Jackson, Jones, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Pereira and Memphis.

Included in the squad was 18-year-old left back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who had been drafted in as cover for the injured Shaw, Valencia and McNair and also due to the suspension of Darmian. Another example of the youth being given a chance following Axel Tuanzebe's inclusion last week against Palace. There could be a new chant around Old Trafford of 'Louis' Lads' if this continues.

Fellaini missed out completely after picking up an injury in training, but Schneirderlin made a welcome return to the bench following a short illness. Former United players Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher started the match for the Baggies.

United got the game underway in the autumn sunshine that bathed the Theatre of Dreams following a well observed minute silence for remembrance weekend.

It was a usual start by the home side as they enjoyed the majority of the possession but with nothing to show for it. West Brom had clearly come with a gameplan  to defend and hope for a chance on the break so United had to be careful of not becoming complacent at the back.

The first real chance fell to Mata on the quarter hour mark after Rooney had opted to play in the Spaniard rather than take a shot himself. Mata tried to bend his effort into the far corner from inside the area, however, the ball sailed just wide.

The United attacking formation took shape after the first twenty minutes with Lingard out on the left and Rooney, Martial and Mata roaming around the front line with all three popping up here and there as they tried to find a way through the away defence.

As the Baggies had only come to defend Carrick and Schweinsteiger found themselves in the thick of the attacking play in and around the penalty area and had a couple of opportunities where they maybe should have had an effort to test Myhill in the visitors goal.

Half an hour played and although they had enjoyed more than 80% of the ball the Red Devils still hadn't troubled West Brom.

Ashley Young was having a nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams as not once but twice he gave the ball away first with a long pass to, it has to be said, no one, then dribbling past himself to concede a throw in and the picture on van Gaal's face was priceless. But what would Roy Keane make of it?

Five minutes before the break Lingard was put through on goal but was thwarted by a brilliant challenge from Jonny Evans. The speed of Lingard is something that United need to make more use of as he really is a player who possesses lightning pace.

Just before the break Martial almost created a chance for himself as he showed excellent ball control inside the area to turn and unleash a shot that was well saved by Myhill. Best play by a United player so far and it deserved a goal, reminiscent of Mark Hughes in his prime.

Half time and not for the first time this season it was all square at 0-0 after United had found it difficult to find a way through to goal against a side clearly under instructions to defend at all costs and play for time.

An example of this was when the visitors had won a corner and the length of time it took the player to walk over to take it was pure gamesmanship and the referee did nothing about it, time wasting at its most ridiculous.

West Bromwich Albion is not the first and certainly won't be the last to use such negative tactics at Old Trafford, but it is up to United to learn how to overcome such play and brush these teams aside.

The second half saw no changes made by van Gaal as the home side looked to break down a resolute Baggies defence as they attacked the Stretford End.

At least West Brom did venture forward in the opening minutes of the second half, but without troubling birthday boy David de Gea.

Not only were the players flat so were the fans who had had nothing to shout about until Jesse Lingard changed all that when he produced a moment of pure excellence in the 52nd minute as he collected the ball from a headed clearance outside the box and showed exceptional composure to curl the ball past the diving keeper and into the bottom corner to score his first goal for the club. Brilliant and just what the game needed.

The first change of the match followed the goal and saw a straight swap as Phil Jones replaced Ashley Young.

Since the goal, the visitors realised what football was all about and tried their utmost to mount some kind of attack, but Smalling and company were in complete control at the back as usual.

Rooney's attempt at a long-range pass from a position he shouldn't have been in was the springboard for the visitors best chance of the match as they countered attacked and following the cross an unmarked Berahino headed over from close range. A big let off for the home side, and Rooney.

Then a very special moment for a young player as Cameron Borthwick-Jackson made his debut when he came on in place of Rojo in the 76th minute.

United came close mainly through the running of Martial and Lingard, but Rooney didn't help his cause with some poor passes and van Gaal decided to replace the captain with Herrera for the final ten minutes of the match.

A smart header from Martial played in Mata for a chance that he blasted high, wide and not so handsome over the bar.

Once again a former player had the game of his life upon returning to Old Trafford this time it was the turn of Jonny Evans, who managed to block almost everything United threw at his defence. If only he had shown the same commitment on a consistent basis while at United maybe he wouldn't have been let go.

With the match in its final throes French starlet, Martial, went on one last lung-busting run all the way into the penalty area only to be upended by McCauley, who not only conceded the penalty but also gave referee Mike Dean no option but to send him off.

The resulting spot kick was blasted down the middle by Juan Mata to give United a more respectable winning margin of 2-0.

Overall the three points along with another clean sheet are what matters and the play from the team fully warranted the win over a West Brom team who until United took the lead offered nothing in the way of an attacking threat.

There were numerous performances that merited a special mention including Schweinsteiger for his control of the midfield, Smalling for his marshalling of the defence, Mata and Martial for their non-stop running on and off the ball.

However, it has to be Lingard, who deserves the man of the match award again as nothing seemed to phase him and his pace was a problem for the opposition defenders all day. The way he finished his goal was probably worth the accolade on its own and the joy etched on his face said it all after he scored his wonderful opening goal for the club and what a way to do it right in front of the adoring Stretford End.

An important morale-boosting win before the players depart for international duty is just what the manager would have hoped for and all fingers will be crossed that not only will the players return injury free but that United can keep up this form into the busy winter period.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.