Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United would have looked to put their disastrous month of December in the past and start the new year on a good note. And fortunately, they were able to win against a Swansea side which would regard themselves slightly unlucky to have not taken anything from the game.
United started the game at a blistering pace proving that the fluidity shown against Chelsea was not an isolated event. Martial, in particular looked lively along with the attacking trio of Rooney, Herrera and Mata. With Ashley Young providing the much needed width on the right flank, United were certainly playing the old way with crosses put in at regular intervals.
However, Swansea were able to show their attacking threat as well with the pace of Routledge and Ayew definitely causing problems for the United defenders. Swansea were able to settle into the game after sometime and were able to demonstrate their passing game with the game being quite even going into the break.
The second half started on a similar note with United again starting the half on an attacking note. However, this time they were able to take advantage of their early dominance. Ashley Young put in a beautiful ball from the right which was headed in by Martial and the Old Trafford faithful definitely heaved a sigh of relief.
However, Swansea similar to the second half, were able to create some chances with the best chance coming when Ayew failed to convert a Sigurdsson cross and Rangel not being able to establish any connection with the ball on the follow up. The full back went down in the clash with Darmian looking for a penalty but was yellow carded by Jon Moss.
However, they were rewarded for their efforts with around 20 minutes still to go. Substitute Barrow, who was quite effective after being brought on, put in a good cross with Sigurdsson heading the ball past De Gea.
It again seemed the same story for LVG. However, immediately after the equalizer, Martial produced some excellent work down the left and put in a cross for Rooney who brilliantly back flicked the ball past a hapless Fabianski for United to take the lead for the second time in the game. This time however, United were able to defend their lead, although a last minute header from a corner by Fabianksi just missed the United goal.
United now move into fifth place just two points behind Tottenham and although the game was not the most entertaining at times, LVG would be delighted with a win. The title may be a distant dream. However, the place for that Champions league spot is definitely a realistic aim and a win after such a bad run was absolutely vital for the Red Devils.
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| Louis van Gaal |
However, Swansea were able to show their attacking threat as well with the pace of Routledge and Ayew definitely causing problems for the United defenders. Swansea were able to settle into the game after sometime and were able to demonstrate their passing game with the game being quite even going into the break.
The second half started on a similar note with United again starting the half on an attacking note. However, this time they were able to take advantage of their early dominance. Ashley Young put in a beautiful ball from the right which was headed in by Martial and the Old Trafford faithful definitely heaved a sigh of relief.
However, Swansea similar to the second half, were able to create some chances with the best chance coming when Ayew failed to convert a Sigurdsson cross and Rangel not being able to establish any connection with the ball on the follow up. The full back went down in the clash with Darmian looking for a penalty but was yellow carded by Jon Moss.
However, they were rewarded for their efforts with around 20 minutes still to go. Substitute Barrow, who was quite effective after being brought on, put in a good cross with Sigurdsson heading the ball past De Gea.
It again seemed the same story for LVG. However, immediately after the equalizer, Martial produced some excellent work down the left and put in a cross for Rooney who brilliantly back flicked the ball past a hapless Fabianski for United to take the lead for the second time in the game. This time however, United were able to defend their lead, although a last minute header from a corner by Fabianksi just missed the United goal.
United now move into fifth place just two points behind Tottenham and although the game was not the most entertaining at times, LVG would be delighted with a win. The title may be a distant dream. However, the place for that Champions league spot is definitely a realistic aim and a win after such a bad run was absolutely vital for the Red Devils.
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