Stay Strong Shaw.

It was that sick feeling that you get in your stomach when you know that something serious has happened to a player as he goes down, visibly in agony.

That was the feeling I had as soon as I witnessed the challenge from PSV defender Hector Moreno on United's Luke Shaw in the 15th minute of the Champions League clash at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday evening.

As soon as Shaw hit the ground everyone knew it was serious, but of course nobody knew how serious. However, judging from the expressions on the faces of the players surrounding their young teammate you understood that it was bad. The depressing image of him being stretchered off the pitch with an oxygen mask attached to his face didn't bode well as to his state.

After being taken to hospital everyone's worst fears were confirmed that Shaw had suffered a double fracture to his right leg and immediately underwent surgery in a bid to reset his bones.

There had been discussions and debates even before the match ended as to whether or not it was a fair challenge by Moreno. I personally believe it was a free-kick and, therefore, a penalty and warranted the minimum of a yellow card, but maybe I'm a little biased. All that is secondary now and the main thoughts have to be with Luke and his inevitably long road to recovery.

The England international has many positives to fall back on the main one being his age at only 20 years old, he has time on his side and being a sportsman his level of fitness will only aid his situation, but more importantly, he is at the right club where he will receive nothing but the best treatment to aid him in his recovery as United have the perfect facilities for recovering players at their training HQ at Carrington.

Shaw also has the benefit of modern medicine and the advances in treating such injuries have been vastly improved over recent years to such an extent that he will expect to recover completely from the injury unlike some players in the past whose career would have been over for something less serious.

The biggest problem will be the psychological aspects of the recovery as he will be training mainly alone as faces being out of action for around nine months according to specialists. He will have to remain focused during his rehabilitation period, but he only has to talk to his colleague Antonio Valencia who also suffered a serious leg injury.

Valencia broke his ankle while playing for United in the Champions League against Rangers back in 2010. Sure, his injury wasn't as serious as Shaw's but he did have to go through exactly what his teammate will face and I'm sure he will advise him on how to remain focused.

The outpouring of sympathy from all fans and players around the world, not just United, must have uplifted his spirits and I'm sure that it will continue until the day that we see him back on the pitch in his No.23 shirt stronger and fitter than ever. In a strange quirk of fate United's next match will be against Shaw's former club Southampton at St. Mary's stadium where I'm sure both sets of fans will spare a thought for the popular full-back.

I leave the last words to him "Thank you, everyone, for your messages, words can't describe how gutted I am, my road to recovery starts now, I will come back stronger."

Be Lucky Luke.

Miles Dunton.

A bridge too far for United.

Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

Chelsea grabbed the points after being outplayed by a dominant Manchester United.

After the euphoria of beating City in the Manchester derby here was a true test of how far United have come under the guidance and philosophies of Louis van Gaal.

On the back of six straight wins in the Premier League, United travelled to the capital full of confidence.

Chelsea, who will only have themselves to blame if they are not crowned champions, welcomed the Red Devils to Stamford Bridge for a re-match against the Dutch master and his Portuguese protege.

The first meeting between LvG and Mourinho ended in a stalemate after a late, late equaliser for United by Robin van Persie back in October.

There was bad news for United in the build up to the match with four players ruled out with differing injuries. Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Daley Blind were all left back in Manchester.

The team that Louis van Gaal chose still had a strong look about it though: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw, Rooney, Mata, Herrera, Fellaini, Young, and Falcao.

Subs: Da Silva, Di Maria, Januzaj, Van Persie, Valdes, Blackett and Pereira.

Wayne Rooney was used in midfield in the absence of Carrick. That gave Falcao the chance to impress in the starting line-up after being on the bench in recent matches. With only a handful of games left to convince the manager and the fans that he has a future at Old Trafford.

Robin van Persie was handed a place on the bench after recovering from his ankle injury alongside Angel Di Maria.

In the bright London sunshine, United started the match.

Three minutes in and the first chance of the game fell to Wayne Rooney. Luke Shaw broke down the right and pulled a great ball back for the captain who let fly with a shot that most of the crowd, and De Gea, thought had gone in but was just wide.

Great start by United just what was needed.

Three minutes later and defender Shaw had a blast from the edge of the box which was blocked on its way to the goal.

It wasn't until the seventh minute that Chelsea had half a chance which De Gea managed to save for a corner.

In the first ten minutes, it was United who had started the better of the two sides especially down the left with Shaw and Young.

The away fans were in fine voice as always as they tried to spur their team on.

After 11 minutes and it was all United as Herrera tried his luck from distance but pulled his drive wide.

A minute later young defender Paddy McNair tried brought the ball confidently out from defence and fired a shot just wide.

On the quarter hour mark, Shaw won a corner after excellent work down the left flank. A bright start from Shaw in his first match for a while.

You got the feeling that United had to capitalise on their possession and grab a goal before Chelsea got their game together. United were by far the dominant team but they just needed that final ball to be of better quality.

Ander Herrera was having a great match in the middle of the park and the majority of United's creative play came through him.

Chelsea definitely looked out of sorts as United pressed up onto their defence. However, the home side seemed content to let United come at them.

In the 25th minute, Mata broke on down the right and produced a cross which was crying out for a red shirt to get on the end of it but the danger was cleared.

Two minutes later saw Chelsea's first real chance on goal for Oscar but his effort was blocked by Fellaini.

Just before the half hour Falcoa gave away a needless free-kick in a dangerous area which Drogba shot straight into the wall.

Ander Herrera continued to dictate the United attacks from deep, providing Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini the freedom to find pockets of space.

Drogba went through the back of Herrera but received no caution.

After 34 minutes as the ball travelled towards United's penalty area De Gea rushed out and looked to have handled the ball before clearing, but luckily the referee and his assistants didn't notice.

Then in the 37th minute a major blow to all United's domination as Chelsea scored through Eden Hazard. He received a neat back-heeled pass in the area from Oscar and gave De Gea no chance one on one. A goal of similarity to Mata's effort against City last week.

United let it slip having enjoyed the majority of possession.

Straight after the goal Herrera went down the other end of the pitch and won a corner.

In the 40th minute, Falcoa was unhappy after a tussle with John Terry. On further inspection, the Colombian was right to be annoyed as Terry quite clearly clobbered him with a forearm smash to the back of the head, but as it was Terry the referee saw nothing untoward.

Eden Hazard was proving to be Chelsea's danger man as he got more involved in the game following his strike, but to United's credit they kept plugging away at Chelsea.

As the first half ended it was all United with great approach play but with no penetration and they were unlucky to be behind from Chelsea's only real chance of the match but showed that they have the quality in the team to turn it around in the second half.

Manchester United began the second half as they had finished the first with controlled possession.

Unfortunately, Radamel Falcao was not having a productive day up front and once again seemed to be struggling to impose himself on the game.

51 minutes into the match and Chris Smalling did well to break up a Chelsea attack after Rooney had lost possession far too easily. Rooney was most definitely needed up front.

Two minutes later Drogba was up to his old tricks again as he fouled McNair to earn himself a yellow card then as his team countered he failed to put away a chance to make it 2-0.

United were so on top of the game it was like they were the home team and Chelsea had parked the bus in front of their goal and waited for the counter attacks. It was frustrating to watch and must have been even more frustrating for the players.

In the 56th minute, Ivanovic was cautioned for a foul on Shaw on the edge of the area. Mata delivered the resulting free-kick but it sadly came to nothing.

On the hour came a speculative shot from McNair which was well saved by Courtois and then Mata came close to converting a Shaw cross.

It was still all United but with no goal to show for all their efforts. As Falcao was producing another dull performance surely it was only a matter of time before Louis van Gaal made the changes needed to turn the match around.

After 62 minutes, Oscar was booked for a foul on the ever impressive Herrera.

Shortly afterwards yet another United attack as Shaw crossed, Fellaini laid the ball off to Rooney whose shot was blocked for a corner.

With less than 25 minutes to play Falcao had his first effort on goal but was wide of the mark.

Rooney did his best in midfield but was sorely missed at the spearhead of the attack.

Louis van Gaal decided on a double substitution in the 69th minute as Mata and Young were replaced by Di Maria and Januzaj. I would have preferred to see Robin van Persie introduced instead of Januzaj as the Dutchman would have been more of a threat than the young Belgian.

70 minutes on the clock and there was Falcao in the box producing a snapshot that was blocked at close range by Cahill.

Since the changes that were made by United Chelsea enjoyed more of the ball.

Falcao's best chance came in the 76th minute as he was put through by the lively Shaw but hit the outside of the post with a thunderous left- footed shot.

Shaw, who had impressed on his return to the team today, was replaced for the final ten minutes by Tyler Blackett. I think Shaw had literally run himself into the ground against his boyhood club.

Into the last ten minutes and it was still all United as they desperately searched for that all-important equaliser.

In the 82nd minute, a Di Maria corner was narrowly headed over by Rooney.

You got the feeling that with Chelsea's defensive tactics and United's inability to convert their chances that it was not going to be the Red's day.

Into the 4th minute of injury time and controversy as Herrera was booked for a dive in the area when he was obviously clipped by Cahill for a certain penalty.

However, the referee had decided that the Spaniard had deliberately tried to deceive him for a spot kick. Both players came head to head in a heated end to the match.

Final score 1-0 to Chelsea.

In a game that was totally dominated by United, it is still unbelievable how they managed to lose the match against a Chelsea team whose only real chance on target was the goal. But if you don't score you end up with nothing, which is exactly what happened.

All credit to the Red Devils for going there and trying to win the match. If not for a lack of finishing in the final third it would have been a totally different result.

Man United deserved more from the game but only have themselves to blame for not capitalising on the possession they had in abundance. Falcao once again flattered to deceive in another tepid display that will not endure him to van Gaal's future plans.

Sure, United weren't helped by some key injuries, especially to Carrick, but they showed their newly found collective spirit and can take heart from their display and hold their heads up high.

Next up is a tricky away trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. I fully expect the duo of Rooney and Fellaini to be fully pumped up to face their old team and for United to come away with the three valuable points needed in their quest for runners-up spot.

Thanks for reading.

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.

FA Cup of woe for United.

Manchester United 1 Arsenal 2

This was the clash of the FA Cup giants a meeting between the two most successful clubs in the illustrious history of the competition as both teams hold the record of 11 wins each.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger had many memorable battles in the cup spanning over fifteen years, but this was Louis van Gaal's first taste of a cup match against the Frenchman.

He of course has already tasted success over the Gunners in the Premier League but could he replicate that feat and take United one step closer to bringing a trophy to Old Trafford in his debut season.

United have played Arsenal a total of 14 times in the FA Cup and have won: 7 drawn: 2 and lost: 5. In fact, Arsenal haven't beaten United in any competition since May 2011 and United had lost only 2 matches of the last 22 so the records were stacked in the home teams favour.

With no Robin van Persie or Jonny Evans to choose from van Gaal made only one change to  the Manchester United starting line-up by bringing in Luke Shaw in place of banned Evans.  The starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Di Maria, Fellaini, Young and Rooney. Subs: Valdes, Rafael, Jones, Carrick, Januzaj, Mata and Falcao.

There was a recall for Rafael to the bench which was the first time he has been involved in the first team since the beginning of January.

Once again there was no place in the starting line-up for Juan Mata who surely must feel what his compatriot Ander Herrera went through a few months ago by not being able to get a place in the team and misfiring Colombian Falcao was also left on the bench.

The match started with a full house in fine voice with almost 9,000 visiting fans adding to a great atmosphere inside the Theatre of Dreams.

The match started at a quick pace with end to end attacking football and within the first two minutes Arsenal had their first chance when Sanchez almost opened up the home defence.

One minute later Young was upended on the left wing by Bellerin, who became the first player booked by referee Oliver.  From the resulting free-kick Rooney whipped over the ball but as with many set pieces this season it came to nothing.

Six minutes in and United won their first corner a good delivery which just evaded all the waiting players but on a positive note the home team had started well by moving the ball around with confidence.

Shaw had a chance to break out after an Arsenal corner but failed to bring the ball under control, unlucky as that would have been a great chance for a counterattack as Arsenal had committed so many players upfront for their corner.

Young was causing the right back Bellerin all sorts of problems down the left wing and won a second free-kick which once again Rooney took but to no avail. I would much rather see our captain take up a position in the box to get on the end of the crosses rather than take them himself.

In the 12th minute Smalling slipped the ball through to Fellaini in the box but the Belgian opted to try and take too many touches when the best option would have been to have a shot with his left foot, a definite chance gone.

Some errant passing, which has been a problem for most of the season, began to appear in United's play which allowed Arsenal to create a few chances that luckily they couldn't take advantage of.

After 18 minutes, United's assistant manager Ryan Giggs made his way to the touchline to make his feelings known. No doubt asking his players to step up the pace and stop giving the ball away in dangerous positions.

In the 20th minute, Young was played in by Fellaini but lost his footing as he was about to shoot and the ball sailed wide. Arsenal forward Chamberlain also wasted a great chance for the visitors at the other end by not being able to keep his effort down.

After 25 mins it was turning out to be an open cup tie with chances for both sides but with United being guilty of wasteful passing and it proved their undoing as Arsenal took the lead when their left back Monreal slipped the ball past de Gea after being left totally left unmarked in the penalty area. A terrible goal to concede by United and first blood to the Gunners.

But the lead lasted only four minutes when in the 29th minute after a flowing passing move by United the ball ended up with Di Maria on the right wing and in turn he crossed the ball into the danger area where that man Rooney was waiting unmarked to meet the cross with a fierce header that gave Szczesny no chance.

In equalising Rooney had kept up his fantastic goal scoring record against Arsenal as that was his 14th goal against them and it proved without a doubt that his best position for the team is up front.

Shortly after the goal there was another wicked delivery from Di Maria that the keeper nearly made a total mess of before collecting at the second attempt.

Young showed the confidence in his play of late by constantly trying to take on the defenders down the left in an attempt to assist his forwards.

United's first of six yellow cards came after 36 minutes when Herrera was cautioned after a foul following sloppy work from Di Maria.

In the 40th minute, Rooney almost returned the favour for Di Maria after bringing down the ball with a deft touch and chipping it up for the Argentinian who just couldn't capitalise on the opportunity. Almost immediately, a chance again fell to Di Maria after a great ball from Valencia but Szczesny saved at his near post.

Just before the end of the first-half the excellent de Gea saved a free-kick down low then it was back down the other end as Fellaini tried his luck with a shot which lacked the power to trouble the keeper.

The two teams went in at half-time locked at 1-1 with United conceding a shocking opening goal but all credit to them by finding a quick reply. When United played direct they looked very dangerous but Di Maria looked a little nervous when given chances on goal and just needs to get his game back on track.

Louis van Gaal made two changes at half-time with Carrick and Jones replacing Shaw and Herrera. The experience of Carrick was indeed needed but quite why Jones came on for Shaw I'm not sure.

United attacked the Stretford End as they looked for an early goal to give them some breathing space in the match. Michael Carrick won a free-kick almost immediately but once again Rooney put over a poor delivery when he really should be on the receiving end of the set pieces.

Di Maria chased a through ball in the 51st minute and was unlucky not to be awarded a foul on the edge of the box as he was clipped on the back of the leg, but the referee was unable to see it clearly. Then the action went down the other end but thankfully de Gea was alert to a deflected effort on his goal.

The match had certainly opened up and it really was anybody's game to win.

Over the next ten minutes, the game got bogged down in midfield with both sides guilty of giving the ball away and both set of players making mistakes especially Fellaini who was booked after two successive fouls. Young quickly followed Fellaini into the book after a clumsy tackle.

On the hour, Fellaini spotted Di Maria well and it looked a certain goal but after doing all the hard work he pulled his shot wide.

Then disaster in the 61st minute as Valencia, after a short pass from Jones, played a suicidal back pass to de Gea which United old boy Danny Welbeck latched onto and had the simple task of placing it past the Spaniard. A terrible mistake to make by Valencia and made all the worse by Welbeck being the scorer. Also, Jones has to take responsibility as he only had to hoof the ball away rather than play it to Valencia.

On 64 minutes, Rojo was booked for a dangerous foul which could have been a lot worse than it turned out to be. One minute later from a corner by Di Maria the ball eventually fell to Smalling six yards out, but it came off his knee and went over the bar as the goal was gaping.

The impressive Young delivered a delightful ball from the wing that was met by Fellaini, however, his header was saved by the keeper low at his near post.

With 20 minutes left Valencia almost made his bad night even worse as he gifted Arsenal a free-kick in a dangerous position by bringing Sanchez down on the edge of the box but de Gea saved the resulting free-kick.

Van Gaal made his third and final change after 72 minutes when he replaced Rojo with Januzaj presumably to protect Rojo from receiving a second caution but why throw on Januzaj when someone like Mata would have been a better choice if not just for his experience but also his knack for picking a defensive lock.

Two minutes after the substitution the crowd witnessed a brilliant one handed save from the player of the season David de Gea low at his post. It was a truly world class save from a world class player. Contract?

Then in the 75th minute there was more bad news for United as Angel Di Maria was booked for diving then as he ran after the referee to explain his innocence he grabbed the back of referee Oliver's shirt and was immediately sent off. A strange decision as the same official did nothing after seemingly being head-butted by Man City keeper Hart earlier in the season.

This was now an uphill struggle for United to claw themselves back into the match.

A surging run from Jones ended with a handball by Arsenal right on the edge of the penalty area but as usual Rooney elected to take it himself and couldn't direct his effort on target.

Fellaini became the target man for the long ball into the area. Is this what United have been reduced to trying to pick out the tallest guy on the pitch in the hope he can get his head on it.

In the 86th minute Januzaj became the second player to be booked for diving as he tried to fool the officials when he ran into the area and fell far too easily to ground when he really should have stayed on his feet and tried to create something. I'm still not convinced about the young Belgian and his decision making in games borders on the selfish and this booking backs that up.

The one player I would pay credit to for his work rate is Ashley Young who never stopped trying to start attacks as well as chasing back to help with defensive duties when called upon to do so.

With five minutes of added time left United, with only 10 men, found the going tough and Sanchez almost added a third but for the fingertips of de Gea.

Full time and a very disappointing loss at home and with it the teams last chance of silverware this season. I honestly thought that it would be our year for the cup but in the end it wasn't to be and we will not be going to Wembley.

Now all the focus must be on finishing in a Champions League place and to achieve that United have to get through some big matches between now and the end of the season.

Starting with Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday. This will not be easy especially when you consider the goal scoring run that Harry Kane is on and the way our defence has been playing lately odds on he will score.

To use an old cliche every match from here until May will be a cup final for United I just hope that the players can pick themselves up from this morally disappointing defeat and push on hard for that all important top four finish then come the summer the manager can clear the decks of all unwanted players and bring in the new quality that we badly need especially in defence.

Thanks for reading what in the end was a difficult piece to write.

Until next time.

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.