Rejuvenated United home in on top four

LOUIS van Gaal continuing to take things step by step despite United recent upturn in fortunes.

Gloom and speculation about the manager’s future was replaced by positivity last week, with wins against Shrewsbury, FC Midtjylland and Arsenal as well as teenager Marcus Rashford’s remarkable emergence.

Watford threatened to upset the home faithful last night, only for Juan Mata’s late free–kick to secure a fourth successive win.

The strike was as classy as it was important, given it meant a 1–0 win that moved injury–hit United level on points with Manchester City, though City have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

“We have the same problems as three weeks ago. Players are coming back, but still I have to solve a problem every week in my line–up, so when players are coming back, they are not fit enoughm: said Van Gaal.

A trip to West Brom on Sunday now awaits as Van Gaal’s men continue to wade through a testing, fixture–heavy period.