Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has been at the mercy of the British media recently having last won on 21 November at Watford (2-1). With speculation mounting that former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is to take the helm at Old Trafford, the Dutchman has seen his side draw four and lose four in both Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches - this included a defeat at top flight newcomers AFC Bournemouth and at home to Norwich City.
As well the defeats against the Cherries and Canneries, the Red Devils were also beaten at Stoke City 2-0 whilst drawing with; Leicester City (1-1), West Ham United (0-0) and more recently at home to Chelsea (0-0) in what is the clubs' worst run since 1990. Having drawn 0-0 at home to PSV Eindhoven and suffered defeat at German side Vfl Wolsburg (2-3) in the Champions League, they were unable to finish high enough in the group stages and will join the Europa League competition respectively.
.But despite being over powered by last weekend's opponents Swansea City, they claimed a victory which came more of a relief. Goals from Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney were enough to cancel out Gylfi Sigurdsson equaliser and end that run of eight games without a win.
Red Devils boss Louis Van Gaal may be tempted to field a more unrecognisable first team to face Sheffield United in their first ever FA Cup meeting at Old Trafford tomorrow. They will be without Antonio Valencia (foot), Luke Shaw (leg) and Marcos Rojo (shoulder), all are side-lined through injury whilst Jesse Lingard (hamstring) remains doubtful.
They have also recalled Will Keane, 22 from his loan spell at Preston North End. In 2011 the striker netted three goals in the two-legged FA Youth Cup Final against Sheffield United, drawing the first leg 2-2 at Bramall Lane before scoring twice in the return (4-1) victory at Old Trafford.
Manchester Unired 2-1 Swansea City
Wayne Rooney scored a superb backheel to ease the pressure on Louis van Gaal and end Manchester United's eight-match winless run. Rooney moved ahead of Denis Law to become the second-highest goal scorer in United's history when he struck with the final goal in the 2-1 win over Swansea on Saturday. Rooney's first league goal since October could not have come at a better time for his under-fire manager. Van Gaal's team looked like going nine matches without a win when Gylfi Sigurdsson's header looped over David de Gea to equalise Anthony Martial's eighth United goal. But luckily for the Dutchman, Rooney came to his rescue when he deftly flicked the ball past Lukasz Fabianski in the 77th minute.
Van Gaal, who lined his team up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, was hoping for a change in fortunes at the start of the new year, but for the most part, his team served up another dull display. The 64-year-old will not care too much, however. Rooney's goal buys him more time to turn things around at Old Trafford and his team are now fifth in the league - just two points behind Tottenham. There was no sign of any Jose Mourinho scarves outside Old Trafford before kick-off. United's encouraging performance against Chelsea had restored a certain amount of confidence in Van Gaal, it seemed, but what followed in the opening 45 minutes was the same old drivel from the hosts.
Ander Herrera tricked his way into the box in the first minute, but Federico Fernandez put in a crucial block. Thereafter, United were dour. Twenty-nine minutes had passed before the first shot on target arrived. Luckily for United, Wayne Routledge volleyed straight at De Gea. United did not test Fabianski until the 33rd minute. In reality, it was not much of a test for the Swansea stopper. Juan Mata's quick thinking allowed him to find space in the box from Herrera's quick free-kick, but his shot dribbled into Fabianski's hands.
The home fans became annoyed at their team's performance and their complaints were understandable. With three at the back, United had an extra man in midfield, but they were slow to turn defence into attack. Groans were heard as United passed back and sideways with regularity. It came as no surprise when there were a few boos from home fans when the half-time whistle went. It was the ninth successive game that United had failed to score in the first half at Old Trafford. The home fans had their spirits lifted two minutes after the break. Ashley Young crossed to Martial, who powered a header in from eight yards. Van Gaal rose to his feet and held his arms aloft.
United almost threw their lead away when Andre Ayew was left unmarked in the box. The Ghanaian headed Sigurdsson's cross on to a post and the ball dropped to Angel Rangel, who went down as he jostled for the ball with Matteo Darmian. The travelling fans demanded a penalty, but Jon Moss booked Rangel instead. Martial broke into the box twice, but failed to test Fabianski and United paid the price. Modou Barrow, given space down the left, crossed to find Sigurdsson, who looped a header over De Gea. The home fans bemoaned another sloppy goal, but Rooney came to the rescue. After another pacy dribble down the left, Martial flashed the ball across the box and the United captain flicked the ball in. Fabianski could have equalised in injury time when he came up for a corner, but he headed wide and United held on for a welcome win.
Latest Reds Line-up vs. Swansea City (3-4-2-1):
de Gea
Jones - Smalling - Blind
Young - Schneiderlin - Schweinsteiger - Mata
Herrera - Mantal
Rooney
Blades-Mad Prediction: Manchester United 0-0 Sheffield United
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