May: Reds miss out and Van Gaal sacked despite Wembley win

United start the final month of the season five points behind City who sit fourth as champions elect Leicester arrive at the Theatre of Dreams on the cusp of their coronation.

The Reds are in equally desperate need of the points, however and are in no mood to roll over, relishing their role of party poopers as Martial strikes early to put us ahead.

The Foxes show why they will be champions, however, and respond superbly through skipper Wes Morgan's header from a set piece and, although United have the better of the encounter, we cannot force victory despite Danny Drinkwater's late red card.

Leicester's title champagne remains on ice but they go on to seal the crown after Chelsea fightback to hold Tottenham and ensure they cannot catch Claudio Ranieri's side.

United, meanwhile, are locked in a straight fight with local rivals City for the fourth and final Champions League place and need a Mata winner to sink a soon-to-be-relegated Norwich side in a tight and tense encounter in East Anglia.

Pellegrini's side fail to beat Arsenal and United's top four fate is suddenly in our own hands as we head to the capital and the re-arranged last ever trip to Upton Park.

In a game that typifies our season, Sakho puts the hosts ahead early on for Martial- again- to come to United's rescue in our hour of need to turn the match- undeservedly on its balance- around. 

The Frenchman's brilliance briefly illuminates a traumatic night for Van Gaal and the team (kick off is delayed by 45 minutes after an unprovoked and mindless attack on the visitors coach outside the ground).

With United 14 minutes away from a top four finish, however, we unravel and our game-management is again naive as late goals from the excellent Antonio and Winston Reid ensure West Ham sign off from their home of 112-years with a famous win.

Once again that result means that United's Champions League fate once more lie in the hands of others but no one could have predicted what would happen next.

City draw at Swansea to leave Van Gaal's side needing a 19-goal swing to overhaul them, but our final day fixture at home to Bournemouth is postponed and then abandoned after Old Trafford is evacuated with a 'suspicious' device found. 

A chaotic day ends with a lot of egg on a lot of red faces and the Reds out of the top four fight but Bournemouth are eventually beaten two days later as Rooney, Rashford and Young (his first of the season) score to confirm a fifth placed finish.

A disappointing season ends with a silver lining as the ten man Reds lift a 12th FA Cup with victory over Palace in extra-time at Wembley but Van Gaal is sacked two days later and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

The club are unhappy and cite the twin failings of a negative style of play and a failure to finish in the top four as the principle reason for the Dutchman's sacking two years into a three-season contract at Old Trafford. 

Martial ends top scorer with 17 goals and wins Goal of the Season for his Liverpool goal with De Gea and Smalling voted Fans Player and Players Player respectively. 

April: A setback, successive wins and a semi-final

Everton provided the first and last opposition of the month and the out of form Toffees are beaten at Old Trafford as Tony Martial's second half winner keeps United in the top four hunt despite another unconvincing display

The Reds are delayed in north London and end up well beaten despite matching Spurs for 70 minutes as the title chasing hosts eventually pull away to triumph through Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela's three goal burst in six second half minutes.

Van Gaal is criticised for his baffling tactics with Ashley Young deployed as a striker in the second half having replaced Rashford at the break, a decision that backfires badly as United lose valuable ground in the Champions League race. 

From one part of the capital to the other on the Wednesday and the last ever FA Cup tie at the "Boleyn" for a place in the semi-finals at Wembley

The fervent and passionate crowd are against United but the hosts are nervy and tentative as the Reds punish them through Rashford and Fellaini to seal a semi-final spot even after James Tomkins late goal for the Hammers.

David De Gea is heroic once more with a series of superb stops, youngster Tim Fosu-Mensah impresses again and Rooney's return provides a boost as United survive a late siege from Slaven Bilic's side to seal a semi-final spot. 

Rashford scores his second in two games to relegate Villa in an unremarkable game before the Reds dispatch of meek Palace with ease as Darmian scores his first United goal, a screamer in front of the sparsely populated Stretford End.

Three wins in a row and the month ends as it started, with a third meeting of the season against Roberto Martinez's Everton- this time in the FA Cup semi-finals.

United produce arguably their best first half performance of the campaign and Fellaini nets against his old club but De Gea brilliantly saves Lukaku's penalty after Rooney clears off the line as the Toffees roar back. 

From then on the Reds are the ropes and Everton's long-threatened equaliser finally arrives when Smalling turns a Deulofeu cross into his own net to seemingly force extra-time.

Martial has other ideas though and the man that settled the recent league encounter does it again with a composed finish from Herrera's pass to send United into a first final for nine years against Palace in May. 

March: Mixed fortunes as City downed after Liverpool KO

 United are frustrated for long periods but Watford are profligate and pay the price as Juan Mata's exquisite late free-kick ensures the Reds capitalise on our rivals slip ups to move level on points with fourth placed City.

That makes it four wins on the bounce but momentum is checked the following weekend as Mata goes from hero to villain, receiving the first red card of his career as West Brom beat United at home for the first time in 32 years.

The Reds of Manchester and Merseyside will meet in Europe for the first time in a blockbuster, but the first leg at Anfield goes the way of Jurgen Klopp's side who take advantage of a bad night at the office for United and Van Gaal.

Sturridge and Firmino both score to put the hosts in command and break a sequence of four defeats in a row to us, and only David de Gea's heroics keep United in the tie in a desperate and lamentable showing that leaves Van Gaal denying reports over his future.

West Ham and Dimitri Payet do little to allay the ongoing uncertainty as they take the lead in the Cup quarter-final but United rally and force a replay as Martial scores late to take the tie back to Upton Park.

Liverpool arrive at Old Trafford for the second leg with the Reds looking to do the improbable and, when Martial scores from the spot with half an hour played, the comeback looks on in a first half display full of pace, energy and endeavour.

Coutinho's wonderful individual goal quickly re-establishes the two goal advantage which the visitors do not relinquish as United run out of steam to bow out of the Europa League in the last 16.

Van Gaal is a man under pressure for the umpteenth time this term but again pulls a result out the bag just when he needs it most as stuttering City are beaten on home turf.

Rashford becomes the youngest ever Manchester derby debutant and scorer as the Reds move to within one point of a City side who have just announced the arrival of Guardiola in the summer.

United counter-attack brilliantly and then defend heroically to shut out City as Van Gaal's tactical masterclass finally brings him a credit mark in a campaign of angst.  

February: Frustrating inconsistency, youngsters shine and Rashford's rise

United end a run of 11 hours without a first-half goal at home as a youthful side avenge the Boxing Day defeat with a stylish victory over Stoke through goals from Lingard, Martial and Rooney in a rare night of relaxation for Van Gaal. 

The Reds fantastic crop of youngsters are flourishing under the Dutchman's tutelage and impress again at champions Chelsea on the 7th.

Lingard's brilliantly taken goal- set up by teenager Cameron Borthwick-Jackson-  puts a vibrant and energetic United side ahead but the valuable lead is lost as Diego Costa scores in stoppage time to earn Guus Hiddink's side a share of the spoils. 

The young players are keeping United in the hunt but suffer a setback after struggling Sunderland score early and late to boost their own hopes as Martial's goal is not enough to prevent a seventh league loss of the season.

To compound a bad Valentine's weekend for the team, Rooney is injured and will miss up to eight weeks as De Gea's own goal six minutes from time leaves United six points adrift of the top four.

Things go from bad to worse as the pressure again ratchets up on Van Gaal after the part-time minnows of Midtjylland sink woeful United in Denmark in the first leg of the Europa Cup last 16.

Memphis puts us ahead and we should push on from there but individual errors cost us dear as the Danes inflict another painful reverse on Van Gaal's frugal and fragile side.

In the Dutchman's defence, the Reds are bereft of 15 first-teamers but still win with ease at Shrewsbury to seal a Cup quarter-final as Smalling, Lingard and Mata score after substitute Will Keane is added to United's lengthy injury list.

Ahead of the second leg against Midtjylland, Martial is injured in the warm-up as 18-year-old Marcus Rashford starts and then scores twice on debut to become United's youngest ever European scorer.

It's just a flash in the pan, let's see how he does against anyone good, they said... we do.

Three days later, the Manchester-born youngster follows up his senior bow with a brilliant brace on debut as a United side with an average age of 25 stun title-chasing Arsenal at a jubilant Old Trafford to breathe new life into the campaign in one of the high points of our season. 

January: Results pick up but problems remain

Van Gaal has overseen an eight-game winless run, the worst such sequence since Sir Alex's winter of discontent in 1989 but remains in his job as 2015 makes way for 2016 and the start of a new dawn for United.

Well, sort of..

The Reds register their first win since mid November as bogey side Swansea are beaten at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Martial and Rooney's brilliantly instinctive finish.

The FA Cup journey begins with the visit of League One Sheffield, United are poor and toil but eventually triumph through a late, late Rooney strike from the spot to seal a fourth-round place.

The trip to Tyneside brings flair, entertainment and thrilling contest, but, frustratingly not a win as United are pegged back despite the brilliance of the rejuvenated Rooney.

The skipper puts United ahead early-again from the spot and Lingard's wonderful counter-attacking goal doubles the lead but the hosts storm back to level through Wijnaldum and Mitrovic.

Rooney's thunderbolt puts the visitors ahead again but Paul Dummett's injury-time goal rescues a point for the Magpies after Fellaini and Lingard miss gilt-edged chances to wrap up the game.

West Ham's win leaves United in sixth- leapfrogged by West Ham ahead of the trip to fierce rivals Liverpool on the 17th.

Van Gaal's side are second best and are fortunate to win but Rooney's smash and grab winner- which comes after a series of top stops from De Gea- earns United a fourth consecutive win over the Merseyside men, now led by charismatic German Jurgen Klopp.

That 1-0 victory brings euphoric delight but the mood quickly turns sour again as a lacklustre United- who muster only one shot on target- go down 1-0 to Saints at home for the second successive season and are booed off again by a fed up and frustrated fanbase.

The match is followed-again- by rumours of Van Gaal's sacking but he survives once more and the month ends on a brighter note with victory at Championship Derby in the FA Cup.

United send out a youthful-looking side but goals from the experienced trio of in-form Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata send the Reds into the fifth round in a tie notable for the outstanding travelling support. 

December: Worst run of form for years as Van Gaal clings to job

After another shot-shy goalless draw at home to West Ham- a sixth of the season- the month starts badly and gets worse as the club's worst run since the late 1980s is offset by a crippling injury crisis and a manager fighting for his job at every turn.

There are calls for Van Gaal to go after the stalemate against the Hammers, but the mutterings reach a crescendo when United collapse in Wolfsburg to go out of the Champions League before the knockout stage.

Martial put United ahead early and own goal from the hosts makes it 2-2 and puts United in the box seat, but Naldo scores late to condemn the Reds to a third placed finish and the Europa League in 2016.

Van Gaal uses Nick Powell as a game-changer and is again guilty of muddled thinking as newly-promoted Bournemouth inflict a second consecutive loss on his side on the 12th despite Marouane Fellaini's equaliser as former United man Josh King hits the winner.

Van Gaal's position looks untenable as another promoted team  (this time Alex Neil's Norwich) win at Old Trafford for the first time since 1989, coincidentally the last time United suffered such a poor run of form.

United again dominate possession but muster only two shots on target and are beaten for the third game in a row.
Tony Martial's second half strike reduces the deficit but fails to spark an uninspired United into life as the team are booed off by a mutinous and disbelieving home crowd.

Despite widespread reports of his sacking- amplified by Jose Mourinho's departure from Chelsea- Dutchman Van Gaal remains defiant amid silence from the club's hierarchy.

It appears things cannot get any worse but they do as United's season hits a new low with an atrocious showing at Britannia as Stoke easily triumph 2-0.

The Potters are pacy, powerful, clinical and creative- everything the Reds aren't, and it seems almost certain that Van Gaal will not be in charge for the final game of the month.

He survives again and although United end this tramautic month as they started it- with a 0-0 at home this time to Chelsea the performance is much improved and appears to buy time for the embattled boss.

November: Barren run ended as United strike late and injuries mount up

Rooney's late goal against CSKA at Old Trafford finally ends United's barren run in front of goal and sends us top of our Champions League group in the first game of the month.

We look set for a fourth consecutive 0-0 draw and ride our luck, with superb blocks from De Gea and Smalling deny Doumbia and pave the way for the skipper's intervention three minutes from time in our first goal for 404 minutes.

We again make hard work of things when West Brom visit on the 7th, but Lingard's caps a man of the match showing with his first senior goal and Juan Mata's injury time penalty seals it.

With injuries mounting, teenager Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is handed a first team debut against the Baggies and looks impressive as Van Gaal's men move third with a steady and comfortable win ahead of the international break.

Makeshift striker Memphis volleys the dominant and injury-hit Reds side ahead early at Watford, but the promoted hosts hit back and level through talisman Troy Deeney's late penalty in a match that marks Marcus Rashford's first appearance in the senior squad as an unused sub. 

Van Gaal's side have character, though, and in a creditable display of gutsy spirit and determination, snatch victory at the death when Deeney turns from hero to villain when he turns Bastian Schweinsteiger's cross into his own net in Fergie time to send the Reds back to the summit.

Then comes, in my opinion, the turning point of the entire campaign as United lose control of their Champions League destiny with another tepid performance at home to PSV.

The Reds press and dominate, but rue a lack of cutting edge to run out of ideas and steam as two precious points are dropped with a crunch clash to decide our fate in Wolfsburg on Matchday Six.

It's another draw for the Reds three days later as Basti's first United goal cancels out Jamie Vardy's record-breaking opener at the King Power as we end the month third. 

October: Delight and despair for inconsistent Reds

United's first outing in October proves a chastening one as Arsenal sink a ragged United with three goals in an opening 20 minute burst to leapfrog the Reds in the table.

Following the ill-timed international break, the Reds travel to a far from happy recent hunting ground- Goodison Park- where United have lost in the last three seasons under three different managers.

This time, though, it's different as the Reds produce their best away day display of the campaign with Morgan Schneiderlin's first United goal added to by strikes from Ander Herrera and Rooney's first at Everton since 2007.

That sends United back up to second and also sees a first appearance since Van Gaal's first game in charge for Academy graduate Jesse Lingard after a knee injury.

Martial's first European goal for the Reds earns a come-from-behind point in Moscow against CSKA on Matchday Three, the first of four consecutive stalemates as the first signs of frustration begin to show.

Manchester City roll into town and although we return to the summit and do enough to win it- with good chances for Lingard and Herrera- the visitors defensive approach stifles United and we're forced to settle for stalemate.

Things do not get any better in midweek as Middlesbrough triumph on penalties in the fourth round of the League Cup after another goalless outing- as Rooney, Carrick and Young all fail from the spot to knock the Reds out and send Championship Boro through to the quarter-finals.

Simmering tensions come to a head with the manager's future now increasingly questioned after a ghastly Halloween for the team at Crystal Palace- a third successive 0-0 draw amid cries of 'attack attack attack' from the travelling fans at Selhurst Park. 

Palace have the better of the contest- Bolasie hits the bar-and merit the win but an undeserved point and renewed defensive solidity is of small comfort to a fanbase upset and disillusioned by Van Gaal's cautious and stymied setup. 

United slip down to fourth with pre-season title favourites City leading the way with Arsenal in close pursuit- Van Gaal's side are four points behind. 

Martial and Memphis continue to be tied in United's goalscoring charts with United now not having scored for 325 minutes. 

United Faithful Season Review 2015/16: August

It was the worst-kept secret in football: Jose Mourinho has been appointed as the club's new manager and is already preparing for next term ahead of taking office on July 1st.

That seemed a stretch of the imagination last June, when we were looking to the 2015/16 campaign with genuine optimism: Louis van Gaal had led us to a fourth-placed finish and back into the Champions League in his first season in charge and soon set about bolstering his squad.

One that we hoped would- mistakenly as it turned out- prove capable mount a serious and consistent challenge for the title,

Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao were swiftly moved on, as were Robin van Persie, Nani, Rafael, Jonny Evans and Javier Hernandez.
In came Memphis from PSV for £30 million, Italian full-back Matteo Darmian for £18 million, midfield pair Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger with Argentinian keeper Sergio Romero on a free as back up and £36 million man Anthony Martial from Monaco.

We did not start Van Gaal's first season well but, having spent close to £100 million on strengthening the side, early signs are good as a promising pre-season- and the Dutchman's idiosyncrasies going down a storm- mean we go into the new season with new-found belief.

United win three out of four matches on the US Tour and the season opener against Spurs is settled through a solitary Kyle Walker own goal as Sergio Romero impresses on his debut with David de Gea's 'will he won't he' transfer saga still rumbling on. 

Adnan Januzaj scores the winner at Villa as the Reds make it two from two in the league and, four days later, see off Belgian outfit Brugge 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League play-off at Old Trafford.

Memphis shines on his European debut with a brace of goals but the first points of the campaign are dropped the following weekend as a resolute Newcastle rearguard display frustrate United.

Wayne Rooney hits a hat-trick as United complete a 7-1 aggregate thumping of Brugge to qualify for the group stage where we are drawn to face PSV, Russian side CSKA and Bundesliga team Wolfsburg. 

Bogey team Swansea clip the Reds wings again with a third successive 2-1 victory over Van Gaal's side- Juan Mata getting the goal- and United end the opening month in fifth with seven points from twelve in August.

Despite that defeat in south Wales, there is relief and delight for Reds fans everywhere as De Gea's move to Real Madrid falls through and ends with him signing a new four year contract at the club.

United Faithful's alternative awards 2014/15

So the curtain has come down on another campaign at Manchester United- bar one dead rubber of a game at Hull this weekend- and the end of season awards have been handed out.

But here at United Faithful we're going to take a look at those moments from the season that have not been recognised?
Whom, for example, has claimed the best assist of 2014/15, whose quotes did we rate worthy of their own awards and who is United's "Unsung hero" of the season?

First up, it's the "Most Improved Player" award.

With honourable mentions to both Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling, this award goes to Ashley Young who has had his best season in a Red shirt.
He must have been close to one of the main awards on Tuesday and gets our vote having been given a new lease of life under LVG.

Best moment of the season

Wazza's "knockout" celebration against Spurs shares this award which would not be complete without Sir Steven of Gerrard- sent off against us at Anfield 38 seconds after coming on. Priceless.

Best assist of the season

Not a defence-splitting pass or indeed a sumptuous piece of skill, but Rooney's pure persistence, determination, work rate and energy set the stage for Youngey's last gasp winner at Newcastle. Class. 

Best signing (s)

A close call between A.Herrera and D.Blind as both have excelled, but Herrera takes it as he's just got better and better throughout the season and I just feel he offers us that little bit more. 

Best individual performance

Juan Mata's virtuoso displays against Spurs and Liverpool, Luke Shaw's impressive showing at Chelsea and Rooney's lung busting game against Newcastle were all in the mix but in the end we gave this to David De Gea for his world class goalkeeping clinic at home to Everton in 
October. 

Unsung hero award

The fans continue to do the club proud home and away and don't get the credit they deserve, but this award goes to Antonio Valencia who has made the right-back spot his own and his pace and reading of the game from full-back has become a hugely important asset to the Reds.

and finally.... 

"We have twitched our asses on the bench- I said to my players that we had to squeeze our asses but it was the wrong expression- of course, I have twitched my ass on the bench because we were out of balance."

In January, LVG brilliantly explains why deploying a 4-4-2 at QPR made him uncomfortable. 

May: The run-in!

The final month of the season began with a Saturday tea time fixture at home to Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion as the Reds looked to return to winning ways following two consecutive away defeats.

Despite a dominant performance and a whole host of chances- including a Robin Van Persie penalty save-  the Reds are thwarted  by Baggies keeper Boaz Myhill in the game of his life and the Reds go down to a third successive loss through to a Chris Brunt free-kick that deflects in off Jonas Olsson.

Next up was a trip to Crystal Palace, and, after Juan Mata puts United ahead from the spot, Jason Puncheon equalises before Maroaune Fellaini heads a crucial late winner to leave the Reds on the brink of a return to the Champions League. 

That put the Reds seven points clear of Liverpool, who were then held to a 1-1 draw at champions Chelsea the next day, meaning United were all but ensured a top four finish.

There was still a slim chance of a top three finish ahead of Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford for United's final home match of the season, but after Ander Herrera's first half goal, a late own goal from the unfortunate Tyler Blackett earned the Gunners a point, who stayed two points ahead of the fourth placed Reds with a game in hand.

We'll update this section of our review once the season out- but for now, sit back, smile at the league table and toast our return to the top table of European football.

Finally, a shout out to Warren Joyce and the Under 21s who beat City 4-0 last night  to move to the brink of their league title.... good to see the natural order of things restored!

April: High and lows....

United were flying as the season entered its final  two months with four successive wins and big names banished in the form of Spurs and Liverpool.

Sandwiched  between the four games against top five opposition came a home game with Tim Sherwood's struggling but improving Aston Villa outfit.

The Reds were too strong for the Midlands side though, and won a fifth game on the bounce with a brace from Ander Herrers and a stunning goal from Rooney setting up a 3-1 success (Benteke with a late consolation for Villa).

The fixture list did not get any easier though for the Reds, as cross-town rivals and soon-to-be deposed champions Manchester City came to Old Trafford in search of a fifth successive derby win.

Sergio Aguero put them ahead to leave United fans fearing the worst, but the Reds stormed back to lead at half-time through goals from Ashley Young and Fellaini.
Juan Mata made it 3-1 and Chris Smalling headed in a fourth to put United and their fans into dreamland and not even Aguero's late second put the dampener on another hugely momentous win.

The Reds had leapfrogged City into third place with second in their sights, but United's magnificent run of form came to end on the 18th at champions elect Chelsea.
Van Gaal's side were brilliant and deserved a point, but Eden Hazard's solitary strike was 
enough to win the game for Mourinho's side. 

United end the month with an awful day on Merseyside as Everton take advantage of a lacklustre performance to win 3-0 at Goodison for the first back-to-back defeats under Van Gaal. 

The Reds end April in fourth position, needing two wins from the last four games to seal a return to the Champions League for next season. 

April: Played 4 Won 2 Lost 2 Goals For 7 Goals Against 6 

March: Three crucial wins!

The Reds begin March on a Wednesday night in Newcastle and, despite dominating the game, look set to drop two points they can ill afford to do with revitalised Liverpool breathing down their necks.

Step forward Ashley Young- often despised by opposition supporters and often derided by United fans.
The former Villa man is enjoying a renaissance under LVG however, and makes the crucial difference here when he smashes in a late winner to break the deadlock and seal a massive three points for the Reds after a string of fine saves from home stopper Tim Krul.

The Reds look good in the league, but there is cup disappointment when Arsenal steal victory in a heavyweight quarter-final contest, former United man Danny Welbeck knocking ten man United out of the FA Cup on a controversial night at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal's side are still below their best and finish March with two make or break games, massive six pointers against two sides both still in contention for a top four finish.

First up, Tottenham at Old Trafford on the 15th....

Reds fans needn't have worried, though, as LVG's men, playing a new 4-3-3 system, tore into Spurs and blew them away with flair, pace, style and panache in a breathtaking performance.
Marouane Fellaini continued to prove his worth with his fifth of the season, Carrick headed in the second and Rooney completed a comprehensive victory as United storm to a 3-0 win.

Having dispatched Spurs in some style, United then travelled to Anfield to face a Liverpool side who went into the game one place and two points behind Van Gaal's side.

The Reds end the month five points clear in fourth spot, thanks to two goal of the season contenders from Juan Mata that rendered Daniel Sturridge's late strike irrelevant, Steven Gerrard having earlier been sent off 38 seconds after coming on. 

Top scorer: Rooney (13)

March: Played 4 Won 3 Lost 1 Goals For 7 Goals Against 3

February: Substance over style

Going into February and United start the month by seeing off League Two Cambridge at the second attempt to progress to the FA Cup fifth round.

The spirited challenge of the fourth tier side comes to an end at Old Trafford as goals from Mata, Wilson and Marcos Rojo (his first for the club) set up an away tie at Preston. 

Five days later and the Reds head to east London to face West Ham and are heading for a fourth league loss after Cheikhou Kouyate's early second half strike, but a late, late volley from Daley Blind rescues a deserved point for the Reds.

Performances remain unconvincing, but United continue to grind out results, and all those battling qualities are needed when tenacious, hard-working Burnley visit Old Trafford on the 11th.

Early substitute Chris Smalling puts the Reds ahead, but Danny Ings levels for the Clarets who are then the better side for long periods until United eventually claim victory through another from Smalling and a penalty from Van Persie.

Five days later, the Reds again toil at Preston in the FA Cup and look to be going out (Scott Laird having put the hosts ahead) until late goals from Herrera, Fellaini and Rooney turn the tie around and put United into the last eight. 

Swansea complete their first ever double over United with a smash and grab at the Liberty (Herrera putting the Reds ahead) before a brace of goals from Wayne Rooney see off ten man Sunderland at Old Trafford on the final day of the month. 

United end February in third place, two points ahead of Arsenal who have played a game more.
Rooney is now the Reds top scorer (he has 11) and RVP is just behind him on ten. 

February: Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 1 Lost 1 Goals For 13 Goals Against 5

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 

December: An unbeaten month

The players are beginning to adapt and buy into LVG's philosophy but December was a key month: difficult away games at fellow top six sides Southampton and Spurs and a home match against fierce rivals Liverpool. 

The Reds started the hectic festive schedule at home though, as Mark Hughes brought his compact and resilient Stoke side to Old Trafford.
United were missing the injured Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney, but goals from the rejuvenated Marouane Fellaini and a second from Juan Mata give United a hard fought 2-1 win. 

A Monday night trip to the south coast to face surprise high flyers Southampton proved every bit as tough as it had looked: Saints are dominant and should win the game but United are resilient and snatch a smash and grab win thanks to two Robin van Persie goals to move up to third in the table.

December 14th, United 3-0 Liverpool: Juan Mata, RVP and Rooney score as United comfortably beat the out of form Merseysiders for a sixth consecutive victory and stay third in the table (eight points behind leaders Chelsea).

United end the month with two away draws (1-1 at Villa, Falcao cancelling out a Benteke goal, and 0-0 at Spurs) but whilst our form on the road is still unconvincing, we are looking strong at home and dispatch Newcastle 3-1 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day- Rooney scores a brace and Van Persie gets the other against Alan Pardew's Magpies.

The Reds are now unbeaten in nine and end the month in third place.
Rooney and Van Persie remain locked together at the top of the goalscoring charts after a prolific month (eight each).

December: Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 2 Goals For 11 Goals Against 4 

November: Momentum is building

First up this month is the small matter of the Manchester derby and despite a fantastic performance from the visiting Reds, Chris Smalling is sent off and City nick the points through Sergio Aguero, so often the scourge of United.

The Reds then play host to Neil Warnock's struggling but stubborn Crystal Palace and are made to work for victory, but take all three points through substitute Juan Mata's solitary strike in the second half.
We then travel to Arsenal, a match that sees LVG revert to a (rookie) back three of Smalling, Blackett and McNair, but despite long periods of pressure from the Gunners, an own goal from Gibbs and a strike from Rooney give United a first away win to move back up to fourth.

Michael Carrick has returned from injury to bolster the Reds midfield ranks and he is influential in United's final game of November, a third successive win as Hull City are put to the sword, 3-0.

Goals from the familiar duo of Rooney and Van Persie, plus one from Smalling (his first goal of the campaign) see off Steve Bruce's Tigers in a match that Van Gaal describes as the "best of the season" so far. 

Going into the hectic festive fixtures, United are beginning to build momentum but, with difficult games at Stoke and Spurs to come, plus the visit of Liverpool, December would prove to be make or break for Van Gaal's rapidly improving Reds. 

The Reds end the month in fourth place with Rooney and RVP now joint top scorers with four apiece. 

November: Played 4 Won 3 Lost 1 Goals For 6 Goals Against 2

October: Spirit shines through

The first match of October saw Everton visit Old Trafford and it proved to be something of a watershed moment: back-to-back wins for the first time under Van Gaal, a return to the Premier League's top four and a truly heroic display from Spanish stopper David de Gea.

Angel Di Maria put the Reds in front only for Steven Naismith to level for Everton but Falcao's first United goal and a De Gea penalty save from Leighton Baines, one in a series of outstanding stops, prove enough for United's third win in four.

A Monday night trip to the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion perhaps proved tougher than expected.
Stephane Sessegnon and Saido Berahino twice put the Baggies ahead but first United goals for Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind (in the 87th minute), both of them beauties, salvaged a point for the Reds who are still searching for that first away win.

United end the month with a "Super Sunday" encounter against unbeaten leaders Chelsea and pits van Gaal up against his great friend and rival Jose Mourinho.
Didier Drogba puts the Blues in front but United, still without the suspended Wayne Rooney, rally and snatch a point right at the death when Robin Van Persie smashes in a loose ball from Fellaini's saved header from a Di Maria free-kick. 

Two late goals in two games hint at the return of the old United that so often saved games late on under Sir Alex and the Reds end October in eighth position, three points off the Champions League positions.

Five players (RVP, Di Maria, Fellaini, Falcao and Blind) all scored one goal each in October, with the former two now our top scorers (out on their own with three each) 

October: Played 3, Won 1, Drawn 2, Goals For 5, Goals Against 4

September: Players bedding in

United begin the month with another match against a newly promoted side as QPR visit Old Trafford on the 14th but Harry Redknapp's side are blown away by a United side who record their first win under Louis van Gaal.

Goals from Herrera, Di Maria, Mata and Rooney kick-start the season for a Reds side who hand debuts to four summer signings (Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind all start and Falcao later comes off the bench).

Unfortunately, though, the Reds are left with a feeling of "back to the drawing board" after their next match at Leicester as United are stunned by a late collapse that sees the Foxes win
5-3.
Herrera, Di Maria and a first goal of the season for Robin van Persie put the Reds 3-1 ahead with 20 minutes remaining, but Tyler Blackett is sent off and the Foxes take advantage of defensive chaos and record an incredible come from behind victory.

The Reds end the month with a hard-earned win against Sam Allardyce's West Ham United in a dramatic game that sees Rooney put United ahead and Van Persie double the lead before Diafra Sakho pulls a goal back for the Hammers.
Rooney is then sent off and Van Gaal's side are forced to dig deep to hang on for victory in a match that sees the United debut of £30million full back Luke Shaw.

Youth team graduate Paddy McNair impresses on his debut and fellow academy prospect Tom Thorpe also enjoys a brief taste of first team action. 

The Reds finish the month in seventh place, eight points behind leaders Chelsea. 

September: Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, Goals For 9, Goals Against 6
Top scorers: Rooney/Van Persie/Herrera/Di Maria (2 each) 

August: A shaky start

16th August 2014: Louis van Gaal's first competitive match in charge of United, but the supposed 'new era' does not start well as United slip to a first opening day loss since 1972 as the Reds go down 2-1 at home to Swansea.

Wayne Rooney scores the Reds first goal of the new season, but strikes from Ki Sung-Yeung and Gylfi Sigurdsson give the Swans a first ever win at Old Trafford in a match that sees Red debuts for academy products Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard.

In the first away game of the campaign at Sunderland, Juan Mata puts the Reds ahead but former City man Jack Rodwell earns a share of the spoils for the Black Cats on Wearside.

Van Gaal has set United up to play in a 3-5-2 and this certainly seems to inhibit the players- who seem in a state of flux and confusion- culminating in undoubtedly the lowest point of the season two days later.

Tuesday 24 August: Capital One Cup second round: MK Dons 4-0 United.
An understrength and out of sorts United are emphatically thumped by Karl Robinson's vibrant young League One outfit. A bad night in which the only positives are first senior United games for Saidy Janko, Reece James, Mike Keane and Andreas Pereira. 

The Reds finish the month with a goalless draw at newly promoted Burnley in a match that marks the United debut of £59.7 million man, Angel Di Maria. 

The Reds end the opening month of the season in 14th place. 

August: Played 4, Lost 2, Drawn 2, Goals For 2, Goals Against 7
Top scorer: Rooney/Mata (1 each)