United Humbled By Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Manchester United 0

Spurs took advantage of some terrible United defending during a six-minute spell in the second half to keep alive their dreams of winning the league at the same time seriously denting the hopes of a top four finish for United.

Not even a thirty-minute delay to the game could dampen the appetite for a match that had both sides needing the three points in order to keep the pressure on the sides above them. Spurs to keep on Leicester City's tails until mathematically impossible and United to have any chance of a top four finish. Who would deny the others aspirations?

Van Gaal decided to make only one change to the side that had won the last two Premier League matches and that was to replace Darmian with the impressive Fosu-Mensah at right-back. His starting eleven consisted of: De Gea, Fosu-Mensah, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Lingard, Martial and Rashford.

Carrick was given the chance to redeem himself against his former club after a poor performance against Everton last time out and not for the first time this season Memphis and Herrera were left to keep each other company on the bench.

An incredible atmosphere welcomed the teams inside the stadium as both sets of fans tried to get behind their players from the off.

United started the brighter of the two sides and looked lively in attack, especially when Martial was on the ball proving what a handful he is to all defenders. He almost latched onto a ball at the far post, but got his angles all wrong.

Then it was the turn of Fosu-Mensah to try his luck from the edge of the area but his effort was deflected for a corner. One thing the Dutch youngster is not short of and that is confidence.

Confidence is something that Carrick is in short supply of these days as he misplaced a number of passes in the opening twenty minutes which halted United's forward momentum.

De Gea showed his tremendous reflexes with a wonderful point-blank save to deny Harry Kane. But the Spurs and Premier League leading goal scorer was adjudged to have been offside anyway.

There was a mad two minutes for United just before the half-hour mark where they struggled to clear their box, but a combination of Fosu-Mensah and De Gea together with a dreadful headed miss by Lamela ensured that the game stayed goalless.

The pendulum had swung in Tottenham's favour as the half progressed, however, full credit to the Red Devils for standing their ground and defending as a unit.

Half-time and it was a case of the same old story for United as they enjoyed a lot of the possession but created almost nothing of note. The miss of the half had to be Lamela's shocking miss from close range that looked a certain goal.

The one positive that the visitors could take from a fairly poor half was the all round performance of Fosu-Mensah, who followed on from last week's impressive run out with an assured display.

At the start of the second half van Gaal decided to introduce Ashley Young into the attack in place of Rashford. Young slotted straight in at centre forward with Martial and Mata out wide and Lingard in the number 10 position. Young had played for the U21s in that position recently and maybe van Gaal saw something no one else had.

De Gea was called immediately into action with two fine stops from long distance shots. Sometimes he makes the difficult seem so easy, which is a testament to his immense ability.

Once again Smalling was excellent for the visitors as not for the first time he thwarted a Spurs attack by clearing the ball from a position of danger.

As the hour mark approached it was all rather dull and United's only effort was a wayward shot from Lingard. Rojo summed up the visitors afternoon when he found himself in acres of space to deliver a cross from the left but he rushed it and the chance was gone.

Anthony Martial decided enough was enough and took matters into his own hands when he weaved his way through the entire home defence and let loose with a shot that keeper Lloris did well to stop on his line.

As the match entered its final twenty minutes Fosu-Mensah had to leave the play with a knock he received in a challenge with Alli while clearing his lines and was replaced by Darmian. This change proved pivotal in the outcome of the game.

As soon as the youngster had left the field a gap appeared in the visitors defence that Spurs took full advantage of through an unmarked Alli, who was left free to slot home the opening goal of the game. Shocking defending by United and you got the feeling that Spurs would fully capitalise on that change of the United players.

And capitalise they did at first from a set piece Alderweireld headed in the second, followed by Lamela who made up for his earlier miss with a side-footed third to put the result beyond doubt.

How United capitulated is beyond belief, but it is no coincidence that the goals came after Fosu-Mensah had been replaced after being injured in a challenge. The youngster had played an important tactical role on his full debut. Memphis was brought on in place of Mata for the last ten minutes.

It could have been four if not for a great tip over by De Gea from a Kane header. The Spaniard then repeated his heroics with a save from Alderweireld to keep the score down.

All hell broke loose as Memphis and Walker squared up to each other on the touchline that looked in danger of going too far until other players intervened and both players were booked for the fracas.

Full-time and an extremely disappointing day for United and a result that seriously damages the hopes of a top-four finish and with it the absence of Champions League football next season. A lack of concentration and poor defending in the space of six minutes cost the visitors greatly and must surely raise the question of van Gaal's game plan in the second half.

Once the impressive Fosu-Mensah had left the play Eriksen enjoyed more freedom and it was that freedom that allowed him to play in the space on the left to provide the springboard for the Tottenham victory.

If you look closely at United's set up during the match, you have to scratch your head in disbelief at some of van Gaal's tactics. Mata on the wing and two center-backs as full-backs has not been uncommon this season, but to use Young, a winger, as the main striker and Martial, a striker, as a winger beggars belief.

There were players who at least tried to keep United in the game they included De Gea, Martial, Smalling and Fosu-Mensah but unfortunately the others did nothing that came close to being acceptable for United.

Next up for United is another visit to the capital to face West Ham United in their FA Cup quarter-final replay and the last chance of winning any silverware in yet another disappointing season. However, don't get your hopes up too high based on this display.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Smalling Spurs United On.

Manchester United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Well, here we are again at the start of another new season and what a match to kick off the new campaign, Spurs at Old Trafford.

This season promises to be an exciting one, to say the least, especially with the return of the Champions League to the Theatre of Dreams putting the club back on the European stage where it belongs.

Since the end of last season United, as usual, haven't been out of the news having been linked to any player who can kick a ball, but Louis van Gaal kept his cards close to his chest and alongside Ed Woodward made come shrewd purchases during the transfer window and the club is set to continue with at least two more players earmarked by the manager.

The five new recruits to Old Trafford were Depay, Romero‬, ‎Darmian‬, Schneiderlin‬ and Schweinsteiger a mixture of experience along with new young blood has been added plus Hernandez returned to the United fold after his loan spell. The squad is still in need of a central defender and a striker, therefore the hope is that those positions will be filled as soon as possible.

The most exciting prospect seems to be Memphis who, after a promising pre-season tour of the States has been handed the iconic No.7 shirt and he seems a confident young player who will rise to the challenge.

There have been departures, of course the biggest of which has been the sale of our record transfer of last summer Angel Di Maria, whom we sold at a £15m loss to PSG along with the release of Falcao's loan agreement after a disappointing season last year and last, but certainly not least, Robin van Persie moved to Fenerbahce in Turkey along with Nani.

There was also the change in the strip sponsor with Nike ending their long association with United to be replaced by Adidas for a whopping £750m over the next decade.

Van Gaal had informed the press that due to his head not in being the right place David De Gea would not take any part in the season opener along with Marcos Rojo who had been deemed not match fit.

The starting XI chosen by van Gaal for the Premier League's first match of the season was: (4-3-3): Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Memphis, Schneiderlin; Mata, Rooney, Young.
Subs: Johnstone, Valencia, McNair, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Pereira, Hernandez.

The line-up meant no places for Phil Jones, who had endured a difficult pre-season and Fellaini who is suspended. However, there was a return to the bench for Hernandez.

1st half highlights: A bright day greeted the teams along with the vocal home crowd at a packed Old Trafford as Spurs kicked off the new season facing the Stretford End.

The new players understandably took their time getting used to their new surroundings and playing in front of over 75,000 fans.

Spurs had the first chance of the game as early as the 5th minute as Eriksen lobbed Romero, but luckily the ball landed on the top of the Argentine keeper's net. An early let-off for the home team.

In the opening 10 minutes, new Italian right-back Matteo Darmian was extremely lively down the right channel delivering crosses of high quality as he ventured forward at every chance.

There was some sloppy play by United in the 11th minute when Romero passed the ball to Schneiderlin in a dangerous position and the Frenchman was easily bundled off the ball but the Spurs attack could only produce a corner. Romero certainly looked a little nervous with his passing in the opening quarter. However, he quickly made amends with a fine blocking save.

In the 22nd minute came United's first goal of the match and indeed the season when Young played a superb ball from the right for Rooney, but Spurs defender Walker put it into his own net before the captain could get a foot to it. So, United's first goal of the season was an own goal but they all count. This is the first time a Premier League season's first goal has been an own goal.

The goal, United's first shot, seemed to galvanise the side and they pressed hard for a second and in the 26th minute there was a bad foul on Mata right on the edge of the box. The crowd was shouting for Memphis to let fly, but Mata to tried his luck and he struck the ball straight at the wall.

Mata came close just after the half hour after a mistake in the Spurs defence allowed Rooney to play in the Spaniard, but after his first shot was blocked his second effort was pulled wide.

Half time summary: A few nervy performances from the side especially Romero and Schneiderlin, but as the match progressed they seemed to find their stride. Darmian and Memphis were the liveliest with Young enjoying a fine battle on the left with Walker. Spurs enjoyed the early possession, but the own goal put them on the back foot as United tried hard to find the valuable second goal.

2nd half Highlights: United started the second half unchanged and attacked the famous Stretford End. They seemed to be more composed as they passed the ball around with more confidence than the previous 45 minutes. They also seemed to trust one another more which bodes well for the season.

Memphis tried to get his eye on the target with an early long-range effort which sailed over. There was warm applause for Bastian Schweinsteiger as he began warming up along the touchline.

With the score at only 1-0 Spurs were still posing a threat but United's defence seemed steadfast against Harry Kane & Co. Romero made a low save from a Spurs free-kick and seemed to have got rid of his earlier jitters.

Rooney came under attack up front as he received a knee in the back of the head which the referee ignored.

On the hour mark came the introduction of German World Cup winner Schweinsteiger making his home debut in place of Michael Carrick.

A good build up in the 64th minute involving Schweinsteiger, Rooney and Mata ended with a low drive from Young that was saved on the line by Vorm.

Since Schweinsteiger's introduction, United had a more aggressive feel about their play in midfield which was summed up when the German received a yellow card after only being on the pitch for 9 minutes.

Herrera was brought on in the 68th minute for Memphis who enjoyed a fabulous ovation from the home faithful after running his socks off alongside Rooney.

Chris Smalling made an immense tackle to put a stop to Harry Kane running on goal. Great defending from the England international.

United were turning the screw as the match headed into the final twenty minutes and Rooney tried to replicate his stunning overhead bicycle derby goal but failed to make contact with the ball.
Another free-kick was awarded to United on the edge of the box this time Rooney was the culprit as he blasted the ball over the net.

Free kicks were a let down last season and the side don't convert enough of these chances something they have to address this season. If he is on the pitch Memphis should be allowed to take them as last season he scored the most goals direct from dead ball situations in all of Europe.

Once again Chris Smalling was the last line of defence in another Spurs attack. Smalling was really proving to be pivotal at the back.

Darmian, who had produced a fine debut performance at right-back was replaced by Antonio Valencia in the 79th minute. The Italian has really settled into his defensive spot and is turning out to be a good bit of business by van Gaal.

In the last five minutes as Spurs pressed for the equaliser Romero made three smart stops the first from a low effort by Eriksen, the second a diving punch off the line and the third a fingertip away. Who needs David de Gea?

Match Summary: All in all a good result for United especially considering the side had five new signings involved as the team tried to get used to each other. It was a shame that no United player managed to score but with a new striker a possibility that won't be a problem for long.

All credit to Spurs who tried their hardest to grab a point, but ran up against a defender on top of his game. Chris Smalling has to be considered as the man of the match after a towering display at center back alongside Blind. At times, you could have been forgiven if you thought Rio Ferdinand had returned so assured was Smalling.

Also, a special mention for Argentine keeper Romero, who kept the away side out at the death with a string of saves which proved his pedigree.

Three valuable points and next up for the reds is a first, a Friday evening away match in the midlands to take on Aston Villa.

Until then thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Manchester United Fixtures Preview 2015/16

It seems that last season has only just finished but this week saw the release of next season's fixture list.

All the fans have their own preference of which match to look for first whether it be by team or date. The most important matches have to be the Liverpool fixtures followed by the derby dates.

There is, of course, no such thing as an easy season, however, Louis van Gaal must have been quietly confident when he saw the fixtures as it has thrown up a fairly easy start and end to the season with the hardest of the matches coming mid-season which gives the team time to get into a winning rhythm.

The Red Devils will kick off their season with by far the biggest match of the opening weekend at Old Trafford against Spurs followed by an away trip to Aston Villa then it's Newcastle at home.
August ends with a tricky journey to Wales to take on Swansea who started our season off with a defeat last year. In the middle of those games, United will have the not so small task of the UEFA Champions League qualifying matches.

A collective spirit is needed.

There will be the dreaded international break before our first big clash in mid-September at home to Liverpool, memories of last season's double over them still fresh in the mind. Two more games in September see us play the much improved Southampton away and Sunderland, who were so lucky to escape the drop last time round, at Old Trafford.

Rooney scores against Arsenal.

October will prove a difficult month as it starts with two matches away first a visit to the Emirates to play Arsenal followed by Everton. Then it's the first local derby at home to Man City. Last season was sweet against the Gunners and City but sticky versus the toffees. Crystal Palace will provide the opposition at Selhurst Park at the end of the month.

The three matches in November seem to be relatively straightforward, if that's possible for United, they are WBA at home, newly promoted Watford away and Leicester away.

Ashley Young in his Watford days.

The month will see a return to Vicarage Road for Ashley Young, who started his career at Watford. It's been eight years since The Hornets were last in the top flight.

The busy festive month of December will see United play in a total of five matches three home and two away. It starts with a home game against West Ham with their new manager Bilic then a trip to the south coast to play Premier League debutantes AFC Bournemouth who we last played in the FA Cup back in 1989.

Another newly promoted side Norwich will visit Old Trafford then Boxing Day will see all the fans dressed as Santa at The Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke. Come the end of the year will hopefully be a match that is going to have a strong bearing on the Premiership title, Chelsea at home.

AFC Bournemouth celebrating promotion

The first match in 2016 will see the visit of Swansea to Manchester followed by a break in the league for the FA Cup 3rd round. After which United will be on their travels to Newcastle and Anfield the scene of Juan Mata's heroics last time we played there. The month will end with Southampton at home.

February starts with former red Mark Hughes bringing his Stoke side to Old Trafford which will be followed by United playing Chelsea at Stamford bridge on the 58th anniversary to the day of the Munich air disaster. Sunderland away comes before yet another big clash of the month Arsenal at home.

Mata the Anfield hero.

Hopefully, by the time March comes around United will be well placed for the league run in and will host Watford then visit WBA. Crystal Palace at home will be followed by our last match against one of our possible major opponents for the league, Man City at the Etihad. It would also be nice to think that United will be still involved in the knockout stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup.

The last seven matches in April and May appear to offer United a chance to end the season strongly and it starts with Everton at home then Spurs away. By the time we play Villa at Old Trafford and West Ham away, we could be potentially gearing up for silverware in the league or one of the cups or dare I say both.

Our last three games of the league season are Leicester at home followed by Norwich away, then Old Trafford will witness the last match of the campaign as Bournemouth will hopefully be trying to spoil the Champions' celebrations.

I foresee United getting off to a flying start compared to the stuttering beginning last season. Louis van Gaal has now had a year in the Old Trafford hot seat and will have learnt from his and the teams' mistakes of the previous season. Add to that the new arrivals that have been signed to strengthen the squad and there is every reason to be optimistic about the chances of being able to challenge on all four fronts next season.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

United deliver Spurs a 'knockout punch'.

Manchester United 3 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Louis van Gaal was unhappy with Rooney getting knocked out in a friendly boxing bout but was pleased that his team delivered an uppercut to Spurs.

Following the bitter disappointment of defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of Arsenal it was the turn of their North London neighbours to visit Old Trafford in an attempt to pour more misery over United.

There was a time when a victory over Tottenham was about as sure a thing as you could imagine for United not so anymore as prior to this match they were without a win in five against the Londoners.

This match was the first of the last ten matches that will define United's season and form a bases for a run of wins needed to obtain that all important top four finish therefore guaranteeing a place in the Champions League.

Still without the injured striker Robin van Persie and with Angel Di Maria serving his ban for grabbing the ref's shirt in the last match Louis van Gaal chose a first team consisting of De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young and Rooney. The substitutes were Lindegaard, Rafael, Blackett, A Pereira, Januzaj, Falcao and Wilson.

There were three changes for United, as Jones, Carrick and Mata come in for Shaw, Rojo and Di Maria. Juan Mata made his first start in the Premier League for Man United since January 17th.

Manchester United was led out by captain Wayne Rooney and his young son Kai as the matchday mascot.

United started the match in a 4-3-3 formation with Rooney in his favoured position up front with Fellaini just behind. Young and Mata were out wide with Carrick and Herrera in the middle and a flat back four with Blind at left back.

United's first chance on goal came after a minute as Ashley Young tried his luck from outside the box which the keeper collected easily.

With only two minutes of play elapsed Phil Jones delivered that dreaded back pass again and almost put de Gea in trouble but thankfully the keeper managed to clear for a corner. When will they ever learn?

In the seventh minute, Rooney burst into the area chasing a great through ball from Young and pulled the ball back aiming for Herrera who just couldn't get there ahead of the Spurs defender.

Then a minute later came the crucial early goal and what a goal. Carrick played a brilliant through ball for Fellaini who took it in his stride and confidently smashed it past keeper Lloris. A fantastic start by United with a sublime pass by Carrick add that together with the Belgian's left-footed finish meant that this was the perfect start for the Red Devils.

In fact, it had been a high tempo start from all the team with the fans also in full voice.

This had been by far the best start by United in a game for a long time with the team attacking full of confidence and their passing was spot on. Again Young was impressive down the left and Carrick in tandem with Herrera controlled everything in the middle.

The second goal came in the 18th minute as a corner was swept over by Mata and was headed back into the danger area by Fellaini when it was cleared straight to Carrick who intelligently lobbed a header over all the defenders and back across goal into the far side of the net. Leading 2-0 and playing with a determination rarely seen recently this was like the United of old.

Carrick's goal was similar if not as crucial to the important header by Steve Bruce against Sheffield Wednesday all those years ago as United headed for their first Premier League title.

On 22 minutes, Young's run almost produced a killer pass into the penalty area but no-one was there to take advantage of his great ball. At this time, it was one-way traffic as Spurs had not even managed a shot on target.

Four minutes later a great cross from Fellaini across the area almost played in Mata but he was just unable to get to it in time. Then the stadium shouted for a penalty for a foul on Mata but unfortunately he had been flagged offside.

Chris Smalling tried to bring the ball forward and it looked like he could go all the way to the opposition box but in the end his final pass was too strong for Rooney.

Mata was the only booking of the match for United after he was cautioned for a foul on 32 minutes. That the only blight on a terrific performance by the home side.

The third goal came in the 33rd minute as Rooney collected a poor pass from Spurs and took on the defenders by himself and once in the box there was no doubt about the outcome as he slotted the ball into the corner of the net. A great individual goal by a forward totally on top of his game. And what can we say about the celebration, 'knockout'.

36 minutes in and again it was Fellaini who caused mayhem down the left as he whipped the ball in for Rooney who scuffed it slightly. That was almost the fourth goal and great link up play between Fellaini and his captain.

On the stroke of half-time, there was still time for Rooney to try his luck from distance but he fired wide. Good job he missed as I doubt he could better his goal celebration.

This was by far the best 45 minutes played by United all season a half full of inventive play and confidence with all the team on top of their game, especially Rooney and Fellaini.

It's truly refreshing to write positively about the side after their recent disappointments. The hope was that they could continue in the same vain in the second-half. With the type of start made by United, the biggest question was where had this team been hiding all season. Spurs had had no shots on goal that's how impressive United had been.

United started the second half attacking the Stretford End with no changes made by van Gaal.
In the 47th minute Spurs had their first clear attempt on goal by Dembele which was high over the bar.

Rooney was on fire and once again in the 48th minute he tried to nod one down for Fellaini, but the ball deflected back into his path at the edge of the area. He couldn't quite wrap his foot around it and strikes it over. As I have said before if only he had been used up front more often in the season who knows where we would have ended up.

United continued with their tidy passing play from the first half and Spurs hardly got a sniff of the ball and when they did United quickly snuffed it out.

In the 51st minute, Rooney tried yet again to lay off a chance to a colleague this time for Blind but the Dutchman dithered a little and the chance was blocked.

Mason should have done better for Spurs a minute later but pulled his shot well wide of de Gea's goal. In all honesty Spurs never looked like scoring or even troubling David de Gea.

Over the next ten minutes United enjoyed a period of passing practice as they fully controlled the game none more so than in the middle of the park with the trio of Carrick, Herrera and Mata impressing.

On the hour mark, Blind almost played Herrera in on goal with a slide rule pass which was unfortunate not to come off.

Another blistering run by Young down the left wing earned United a corner which came to nothing however, credit to Young as he has shown in recent matches the old magic has returned and he looks like a player who is really enjoying his football.

64 minutes and the crowd witnessed a wonderful cross-field pinpoint pass by Rooney straight to Fellaini that started a move which ended with Herrera firing his shot into the side netting. Another move of precision by the Reds which was a joy to watch.

With fifteen minutes left on the clock United had the ball in the back of the net but the flag was up well before Rooney had tucked it away as Herrera was flagged offside, perhaps wrongly, after a long ball over the top. Shortly after the Spaniard had an effort from distance which flew wide.

After 76 minutes, there was a fully deserved standing ovation for Juan Mata as he left the pitch to be replaced by youngster Pereira. It was fantastic to see the reception given to Mata as he made his way down the touchline and towards the tunnel he really is a fan favourite and he put in a performance that merited the applause. Here's hoping that he doesn't have an injury problem.

The second change came in the 82nd minute when Fellaini was taken off and Falcao was given another opportunity. Fellaini, another player who had played his socks off and opened the scoring with aplomb received the second biggest round of applause of the day.

In the 84th minute captain fantastic Rooney was back clearing the defensive lines as Spurs tried to salvage something from the match.

Van Gaal's third and final change of the match was in the final minutes which saw Rafael come on for the impressive Carrick who had fully earned his early rest.

As the match reached it's climax Harry Kane almost squeezed the ball into the net but David de Gea made an improvised save by sitting on the ball, not his greatest save, but it kept a valuable clean sheet.

Disappointing there were no goals in the second half, but that doesn't take anything away from the great performance by the team with no goals conceded and a huge morale-boosting three points ahead of some tricky matches ahead.

Spurs were really poor in the match but in all fairness they couldn't have expected United to play as well as they did today and I think they were as surprised as anyone by the way the home side came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. It would seem that the players have an appetite for achievement this season, after all.

Nine to go and if the Red Devils can keep up the momentum from this match then not only a top four but dare I say a top three finish to the season is a definite possibility. But first there is the small matter of a trip to Anfield to take on our bitter rivals Liverpool.

A repeat of today's performance would be invaluable to the team's confidence for the run in and I fully expect a victory especially with Rooney in his current mood.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Miles Dunton.

Missed chances ends United's 2014

Tottenham Hotspur 0 Manchester United 0

Manchester United brought down the curtain on their rather indifferent year at White Hart Lane against a Spurs team who also had a year to forget.

New management and squads for both teams, and both Louis van Gaal and Mauricio Pochettino bringing in new ideas and styles of play. The stage was set for an encounter that in the past had never failed to deliver entertaining football. The last time Spurs won this fixture was way back in May 2001.

Going into the match United had been impressively unbeaten in the last eight matches, seven of those being wins. Also, the goals for column was looking good, in the last eight matches they had managed to score 17 goals, and thanks mainly to goalkeeper David de Gea only conceded 5. The last time the Red Devils came to the capital they escaped with all the points against Arsenal.

The team news prior to the match revealed that Fellaini (rib), Di Maria (pelvis), Herrera (muscle) would not be involved, however, on a positive note Luke Shaw was included in the squad after being absent since that win over Arsenal.

The eleven to face Spurs were: De Gea, Jones, McNair, Evans, Valencia, Carrick, Rooney, Mata, Young, Van Persie & Falcao. Van Gaal showing faith in the same players that started against Newcastle on Boxing day. It was the first time that he had been able to choose the same XI all season.

Before the first half started there was a minutes silence for former Tottenham defender Ron Henry who passed away yesterday.

Once the match was underway Spurs had the first sight on goal in the 6th minute from Mason, but the reliable de Gea collected easily. From the resulting clearance Rooney almost played in Falcao, but there were too many defenders around him.

United carried on from where they had left off on Boxing Day by controlling the opening exchanges, Mata especially looking the biggest threat. However, the first quarter of an hour was littered with free kicks as both sides tried to get the upper hand.

Falcao missed a golden opportunity to put United in the lead, when he was put through on goal by Juan Mata, only to be put off by two defenders closing him down from behind. Straight away Spurs had their own clear chance but were thwarted by de Gea.

On 22 minutes United were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Rooney left it for Mata, who curled it over the wall but it struck the post and both van Persie and Falcao failed to net the rebound.

A minute later mayhem in the spurs area as Jones headed towards goal, the keeper flapped at the ball and it crossed the line, only to be ruled that Falcao or Jones were offside. A harsh decision to say the least.

Mata again thread a great ball through to Falcao, but when one on one with the keeper Lloris, he shot weakly and the chance had gone. Then a brilliant ball from Carrick only needed to be converted by van Persie, but unfortunately he couldn't bring the ball under control quickly enough before Lloris collected.

Just before half time Young tried his trademark cut inside and unleashed a shot calling on the keeper to produce a fine save. That was to be the last action of a half in which Mata had produced some lovely touches and was the main outlet for the team's chances.

At the end of the first half it was unbelievable how United had not managed to score after all the chances they had created for themselves. The hope was those missed chances wouldn't came back to haunt them.

The second half saw one change for United. Rafael in a straight swap for Valencia. United continued to attack, and forced a couple of early corners, which had no end result.

Another chance, another miss by van Persie, this time on 55 minutes. Good work from the industrious Mata, but the striker failed to direct his header on target.

Van Persie showed his frustration by pushing Vertonghen off the ball, and was extremely fortunate not to receive a yellow card. Had he done so he would have automatically missed the next match at Stoke City.

After the hour mark the match became rather stale with neither side creating any chance of note until Mata made his first error by blasting over when it seemed easier to score.

It was time for another change by van Gaal when Evans was replaced by Chris Smalling. Evans had a poor match and it's obvious he is not comfortable on the left of the three central defenders. His distribution at times was awful.

Shortly after, Luke Shaw made his comeback by coming on for Paddy McNair, who had picked up a yellow card minutes before.

Spurs had a golden opportunity when Mason got goal side of Carrick, but shot over the bar from close range. At this time the home team were enjoying their best spell of the day which clearly rattled United as Falcao's name was taken for a needless foul. Quickly followed by Rafael.

The match ended in a goalless draw with some tired legs on show at the end. A match that United should and could have won if only the chances had been taken when they presented themselves. The closest being Mata's free kick, which struck the post, and his blast over inside the box.

Now unbeaten in nine matches at least they ended the year more positively than it was started.

There we have it the last game of 2014. Time to look ahead to 2015, and dare I say it, a successful year. To be honest, it won't be too difficult to do better than the last 12 months.

New Year's resolutions time. Mine are for Louis van Gaal to buy a central defender and a midfielder in the January transfer window. Who will come only he knows, but until the Summer I wouldn't say no to Vlaar and Strootman.

Many people are saying Vlaar is not a good fit for United, but I would counter that by saying the defenders we have at the moment aren't exactly setting the world alight with their performances.

Vlaar is experienced in the premier league and being Dutch, communication won't be a problem. He knows van Gaal and the other players from the Holland squad. At his age, he should be available at a good price, and will add strength to a weak back four, or three for that matter.

My second resolution is for the team to embark on an FA Cup run all the way to Wembley. I hope van Gaal takes the competition seriously as it's been too long since we last lifted the old trophy. This could realistically be our only chance of silverware this season.

Lastly, the target should be a top 3 finish, anything above that would be an absolute bonus. Don't get me wrong winning the league in his first season would be amazing for van Gaal, but to keep our feet on the ground is wiser.

I hope you all have a great New Year, and that 2015 will turn out to be better for United than the outgoing 2014.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read.

Miles Dunton.