This was a result United should have achieved with far less drama, not helped by a few of Louis van Gaal’s conservative substitutions, but it was ultimately an impressive one against stubborn opposition.
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Replays showed that Schweinsteiger’s ball was going out until Deeney’s touch deflected it inside the net.
“It is the second time this season we have been top and proves we are in the title race”, he told BT Sport.
Cathcart has already played – and scored – against United in a 3-2 defeat in January 2011, during his previous spell in the Barclays Premier League with Blackpool.
‘Shaw was the main player for that position so it is a big blow for us and maybe we have to buy a left full-back for that position.
Jones was also substituted after the England defender twisted his ankle and United manager Louis van Gaal now expects both players to miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash at home to PSV Eindhoven. When you can do that as a team, then I am very proud of that team.
“I think also this role is the best role for him; he played it also in the world championship for me when Robin van Persie or Arjen Robben was injured, so I knew that he could do this”.
Depay’s United career has been one of fits and starts since his £31million move in the summer but Van Gaal may have stumbled upon a temporary solution to his side’s attacking woes, with the striker offering the kind of movement and speed in behind that has been so lacking in recent weeks.
Flores’ men looked to have earned a draw when Marcus Rojo brought down Ighalo in the penalty area and Deeney’s spot kick saw United concede for the first time in more than ten hours.
“But we created a lot of chances and we could have finished the game much earlier. He was fighting every moment and in every part of the pitch and he was unlucky with the own goal, but that’s football”.
United, with Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger controlling the heart of midfield, rarely looked anything but comfortable.
“Today he is at home, we gave him a day off to heal the illness; tomorrow he comes and I can say more”. Andreas Pereira marked the final substitution for van Gaal, as he came on for Juan Mata just before the final 10 minutes of the match.
The game was in the balance and De Gea had to get down superbly to tip an Abdi shot away at his near post after Chris Smalling had only half-cleared the danger with a header in a crowded goalmouth.
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It was a short time to play after the penalty but you have seen also the spirit of my team. We have to improve that positional game because in all the other games it was so good it was boring!.
