Ashley Young is flying again.

With the announcement, last summer, of Louis van Gaal as the new manager of Manchester United there must have been a few players at Old Trafford instructing their agents to start looking for pastures new.

Among those, was possibly Ashley Young who had endured a torrid season under David Moyes as had most of the team.

Having been brought to United three years previously in 2011 by Alex Ferguson his career started well enough that season with some encouraging performances and eye-catching goals. He was outstanding in the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal at the start of his Old Trafford career contributing with a double.

His encouraging start was brought to an abrupt halt when he suffered an injury that kept him out until February 2012. In his absence, United had been knocked out of the Champions League and had to compete in the Europa league.

Although he chipped in with goals in the remainder of the season he wasn't quite the same player as when he had arrived.

In Ferguson's last season as manager, 2012-13 Young made a total of 18 appearances and didn't find the net once. His season was blighted by accusations from all parties about his unsportsmanlike diving in the oppositions area for penalties. It became a regular event and certainly didn't bring him any sympathy from the United fans.

Once Ferguson had stepped down it was the turn of David Moyes to try and bring the best out of Young but the new problem for Young was the form of a certain Adnan Januzaj.

Januzaj made more appearances than Young that season and chipped in with one more goal than him. To rub it in the teenager even replaced Young as a substitute to make his league debut.

It was frustrating to watch Young play as he clearly had so much talent, but he seemed to be struggling with his form and even the diving question raised its ugly head and once again blighted his reputation.

So, with yet another new manager entering the arena last summer the writing seemed to be on the wall for Young along with other players including Fellaini. Young had even lost his place in the England set up since being involved in the 2012 Euro's.

However, here we are coming to the end of the season in which United look to have claimed a priceless fourth place in the Premier League thanks in no small part to the performances week in week out of Ashley Young.

Originally used as a left wing back in Louis van Gaal's dreaded 3-5-2 formation at the beginning of the season Young never gave up or complained about how difficult he was finding it and how frustrating it was to play in that position.

He was cautioned for diving against Sunderland back in August which van Gaal must have reacted strictly to as there has been thankfully no repeat of it since.

Once the manager saw sense and realised that his side wouldn't win anything with that setup and reverted to a more traditional four at the back and wingers Young was off and flying.

So far this season his has made the most Premier League appearances of his United career, 24 and contributed with 4 assists and 28 shots netting twice. However, it's not his goals that have impressed it's his wing play that has made him one of United's success stories this season.

Like his teammate Fellaini who had also endured a tough season under Moyes, Young has been rejuvenated under van Gaal and is finally repaying the loyal supporters with some sterling displays.

His work rate down the left against Crystal Palace in United's latest victory summed up his transformation and earned the win and a valuable three points. It could also see him recalled to the England squad. He deserves nothing less.

Even with the imminent arrival of Memphis Depay I still feel that Young has a lot to offer United and it could be Adnan Januzaj who becomes surplus to requirements and loaned out next season.

If so, how the tables have turned.

Update: Ashley signed a new 3 year contract at United on August 7th 2015.

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.

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.

United tame the Tigers.

Manchester United 3 Hull City 0

After the euphoria of United collecting their first away win of the season last week against Arsenal, it was time to return home and welcome to Old Trafford Hull City and their manager, former United captain Steve Bruce.

Bruce, of course, was a wonderful servant to our club and totally deserved the warm reception he received from the home fans on his 700th premier league game as a manager.

In his pre-match press conference Louis van Gaal gave the fans encouraging news on the injury front, especially about Marcos Rojo, but sadly confirmed that Luke Shaw would be out for 4-6 weeks, at the same time poking fun at United's twitter account about how they miss reported Daley Blind's injury.

The United starting eleven included the quick return from a shoulder injury of Rojo in defence along with Valencia, Smalling and Young on the left, in midfield  Di Maria, Carrick, Fellaini, and a return to the starting line-up for Mata. Up front, the two strikers were Rooney and van Persie.

This was a big match for Robin van Persie who has received criticism from many people about his lack of commitment, especially against Arsenal last week, and with Falcao on the bench the pressure was on him. Last but certainly not least De Gea in goal.

All the planning done before the game came to a halt after only 9 minutes when United were again unlucky with an injury when Di Maria pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury and was replaced by Herrera, playing his first game since his rib injury.

The early breakthrough for United came in the 15th minute from an unlikely source, Chris Smalling, whose shot from close range was bungled over the line by the Hull keeper McGregor.

Smalling played a very positive game in the first half moving forward at every chance and could even have had a second on the half-hour with a shot that wasn't too far away.

United's second came on 41 minutes when Rooney combined wonderfully with van Persie and found the net with a fine strike from outside the box.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with United having almost all the possession, and the fans were in fine voice filling Old Trafford with renditions of the annual Christmas song dedicated to Eric Cantona, who signed for Man United this week back in 1992.

Robin van Persie almost added a third with a copy of his flying header for Holland, this time it was saved and judged to be offside, but it was great football with a pin point pass from Michael Carrick, who with Fellaini had total control of the midfield.

Then in the 66th minute van Persie answered his critics with a superb strike with his left foot into the roof of the net from the edge of the box to make it 3-0. That was to be his last action of the day as he was replaced by Falcao.

I wonder if van Persie saw Falcao stripping off and decided to go out with a bang. Falcao could have got on the score sheet at the death had it not been for a goal line clearance.

Even though our defence didn't have much to do as Hull's attack was toothless, I thought Chris Smalling had an outstanding game and could have scored a hat-trick, someone must have taken him aside and had a serious talk with him, as his performances have vastly improved in the last two matches. Rojo performed well on his return and had an exceptional pass rate.

The man of the match for me was captain Wayne Rooney, who never stopped running and completed a total of 66 passes, topped with a well taken goal. He looked to be struggling in the end and hobbled off at full-time. I hope it's not too serious.

Herrera also impressed after coming on for Di Maria and should keep his place against Stoke City.

This was very much a routine win for United as Hull didn't offer anything close to a threat, and at times it was a chance for United to improve on their passing as Hull couldn't get a hold of the ball.

A third straight win is exactly what United needed to maintain a run of form that keeps them heading in the right direction, and to keep the confidence high as matches are now coming thick and fast, with another home match against Stoke City on Tuesday night, followed by a difficult away trip to high flying Southampton.

Then we enter the busy Christmas period with games against Liverpool (h), Aston Villa (a), Newcastle United (h) and Spurs (a). It will be imperative that we have a full squad available and hope we don't succumb to more injuries.

I firmly believe that come to the New Year we will be up into the top four of the league, and we can start to finally put the nightmare of 2014 behind us and look forward to the second half of the season and 2015.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my thoughts.

Miles Dunton.

Man United's smash and grab in the capital.

Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2

A week that started so badly with United players falling like flies with injury after injury has ended on an incredible high with a victory over Arsene Wenger's Arsenal in their own backyard.

Before Louis van Gaal's pre-match press conference on Thursday, the concern was what team would he put out against Arsenal.

Daley Blind, Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw and most importantly David De Gea, had all picked up injuries while away on international duty.

Add that to the ongoing list of players already missing including Falcao, who picked up a fresh injury in training, the signs were negative for a difficult away trip. However, following Thursday's announcement that the injuries were not as bad as first thought, apart from Blind, the game began to take on more of a positive vibe.

Louis van Gaal had decided to pick three center backs, Chris Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair with Shaw and Valencia playing as wing-backs alongside Carrick and Fellaini in central midfield.

It was great to see Fellaini not react to Wilshere's deliberate attempt to wind him up, in fact, Wilshere should have at least been given a yellow for headbutting Fellaini's navel.

Di Maria, Rooney and van Persie were given the task of helping out defend and look for the chance on the counter attack. As expected Arsenal, playing at home, spent the first half attacking, but like other opponents this season they couldn't find a way past the ever impressive United keeper David de Gea.

He is literally saving United's season game after game and surely it's time to squash the transfer rumours and tie him down to a new contract. Where would the team be without him?

Losing Shaw to an ankle injury was another blow, but following this United showed a discipline rarely seen this season, especially at the back, and stood tall and resolute against the Gunners. Once again, McNair impressed in defence.

In the four games, he has started United have won all four, and partnered with someone with more experience he will become a steadfast at the back. Blackett also played well if not a little nervous at times, and even Smalling, who has endured a torrid time with the fans and critics this season, could hold his head up high. The discipline paid dividends in the second half.

Two goals, the first an own goal by Gibbs and the winner from Rooney, all but put Arsenal out of the match even though they managed a consolation strike at the end de Gea was able to get a hand to it. As the match went on you could sense the growing frustration in the stadium with some home fans calling for Wenger to be sacked.

Di Maria could and should have settled it before Arsenal scored but fluffed his shot. Di Maria and Rooney ran all day and created the few chances that fell to the team, in fact, this was Di Maria's best match for a while.

Robin van Persie had a difficult time, booed by the home fans and starved of service he was substituted and replaced by James Wilson, who didn't put a foot wrong.

Maybe he will get his chance to start over the coming weeks especially the Christmas period when the games come thick and fast and allow van Persie to have a well-earned rest. It was a smash and grab raid type of match, but 3 points at the end of the day are what's important.

Wayne Rooney's goal means that he is the highest scorer against Arsenal in the history of the Premier League, and he took his chance supremely well, something that Danny Welbeck couldn't do for the Gunners, confirming what van Gaal has said repeatedly that he was sold because he simply wasn't good enough for his team.

To see a jovial van Gaal in his post match interview was a sign that he knows his philosophy is finally paying dividends. He chose a team out of necessity and they nullified the threat of Arsenal, especially their stand out player, Sanchez.

A big well done to the team for giving the fans something to shout about, it's still early days in the van Gaal revolution, but the signs are there that they are starting to believe in the manager's system.


This was United's first away win of the season and the second win on the trot, it moves the team up into 4th place in the league and with two home games to come against Hull City and Stoke City I hope they can keep up the momentum into the New Year, then we should look to buy an experienced center half, and get Falcao fit and playing, and lastly end 2014 on a high as it's been a difficult year and one that has to be put down to experience, the bad kind.


Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. Until next time.

Miles Dunton.

Trouble playing away.

West Bromwich Albion 2 Manchester United 2

Blind saves Manchester United blushes with a late strike to rescue a point against West Bromwich Albion.

After the long international break it was great to see the Premier League return but it produced another disappointing away match for United this season with a draw at the Hawthorns and only one point.

Before the match Louis van Gaal stated that United are playing catch up in the premier league and after this result it is truer now than it was before the match.

Not for the first time this season our defence was shown to be lacking as West Brom took a 2-1 lead through Berahino, who was able to run through the middle of our center backs like dare I say it, a knife through butter,and gave David De Gea little chance in the one on one.

The need for a quality center back in the January transfer window is critical if United don't want a repeat of last season. Not only do United need a defender but they also need a leader in the defence as well, this is what was lacking last night. We miss the stature of Vidic to control the back four. Unfortunately, the weakest link in defence last night was Phil Jones.

Phil Jones

In the past he had been touted as a future captain, and some quarters of Old Trafford were liking him to the late great Duncan Edwards as he was big and powerful for his age, but last night and in his past games this season his below par performances have done nothing to prove this to be correct.

It was unfortunate not to have Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair available as they have shown that they are more than capable to fill in at the back.

Adnan Januzaj

Another player that flattered to deceive was Adnan Januzaj. I among many other fans have been championing his right to be given a start in the first team in the absence of Wayne Rooney, but I'm sorry to say he let himself and the fans down last night.

His performance was so lackluster, and knowing how ruthless van Gaal can be I'm not sure when he will be able to seize his chance again. He really is a fantastic talent but when you are given the opportunity you have to take it, he didn't.

Two other players who failed to perform to their normal high levels were Juan Mata and Robin van Persie. Mata especially, wasn't involved in a position he normally thrives in and with Rooney due to return after the Chelsea game he has, I believe, one more chance to show the manager that he can fit into his system. Robin van Persie didn't seem his normal self throughout the match. He came close when he hit the post but that was about it. Let's hope that this was a one off.

The substitution of Di Maria, who had been United's one bright spark in attack, to be replaced by Ashley Young was I hope a precautionary measure to save him for next Sunday's Chelsea match and not a tactical move as once again Young looked out of sorts.

Blind celebrates with Fellaini

On a more positive note it was pleasing to see both Fellaini and Blind score their first goals for the club. Fellaini has waited a long time for his moment but unlike Blind.

I still feel that he makes to many mistakes in the middle of the park, like the free kick he gave away before West Brom took a 2-1 lead. But let's allow him to savior his moment.

Fellaini shoots and scores

Blind's strike in the last few minutes to pull United level was a superb finish, and added to his work rate during the 90 minutes he was my choice as man of the match.

Falcao jet-lagged?

When the teams were announced before the match I was scratching my head as to why Falcao was on the bench. Then I saw a report stating that he was jet-lagged after travelling to play for Columbia in the recent internationals.

If this is the case then this proves that United's plan to play mid week high profile friendlies in the winter months is a ridiculous idea. Sure it would further the coffers and promote the brand but is it worth risking the fitness of the players, I and many others think no.

Once again this week sees the return of the Champions League without United. I think the players should watch the upcoming matches very carefully because that's what we are striving for this season.

We seriously need to up our game for the forthcoming matches against Chelsea, City and Arsenal, otherwise we could be in a tricky situation like last season.

Even after last night I still believe that  Louis van Gaal is the man to turn the club's fortunes around and as regards the team I just hope they believe in themselves.

Until next time thanks for taking the time to read.

Miles Dunton.