2015: A mixed start

As 2014 gave way to 2015, the Reds were on the up but a trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke would prove a tough start to the year.

Having fallen behind to an early Ryan Shawcross header in a game played in atrocious conditions at Stoke, the Reds  dug deep and fought back to earn a point through Radamel Falcao's predatory, close range strike.

United's quest for an 11th FA Cup success began in the humble surroundings of League One Yeovil, but goals from Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria- on his return from injury- avoided a potential banana skin against the League One side at Huish Park.

Next up was a real "six pointer"against Champions League chasing Southampton- and it was the visitors who stole a smash and grab victory through Dusan Tadic's goal to leapfrog United in the table and end the Reds unbeaten run.

LVG's side responded well to that setback, though, and despite a below first half performance at struggling QPR, goals from substitutes Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson propelled United to a valuable 2-0 victory.

Then followed a quite remarkable FA Cup fourth round weekend when, following elimination by lower league opposition for Chelsea and Manchester City, United ensured they would be in the draw for the fifth round despite a frustrating goalless stalemate at League Two Cambridge.

The Reds finished January with a routine 3-1 win over Nigel Pearson's rock bottom Leicester, and moved back into third through goals from Van Persie, Falcao and an own goal from Wes Morgan.

Robin van Persie is now out on his own as the Reds leading scorer with nine goals to his name. 

January: Played 6 Won 3 Drawn 2 Lost 1 Goals For 8 Goals Against 3