Time is running out for host, Sunderland, if they are to retain their top-flight status, while visiting Manchester United face a tough challenge if they are to ensure that the famous Champions League anthem will be bellowing out around Old Trafford next season
Browsing: Red Devils
Chelsea were on the back-foot from the word go and United won a succession of early corners, but none of them caused the Blues any real problems
The result has kept Man United in fifth spot – five points off the top four, while Stoke remain in ninth
The 2-0 defeat to Stoke City on Boxing Day means that United are without a victory in their last seven outings in all competitions, yet despite intense speculation, Van Gaal remains in charge.
The home side dominated possession in the first 45 minutes, but chances were few and far between and it was Norwich that broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Cameron poked past David de Gea from inside the box
Two goals from Naldo and a routine finish from Vieirinha did the damage as United dropped into the Europa League due to PSV Eindhoven’s 2-1 win at home to CSKA Moscow
Louis van Gaal’s men were also dealt further injury blows with Morgan Schneiderlin and Paddy McNair going off injured – Michael Carrick and debutant Guillermo Varela replacing them
After the Hornets were forced to whether initial pressure from Louis van Gaal’s side, they nearly fell behind when Allan Nyom mistimed his clearance and saw the ball land on top of Heurelho Gomes’s net
Watford are yet to suffer back-to-back defeats in the league this season, but with so many more challenges to come, even victory today would not be enough to encourage any overconfidence from inside the club
“The most important thing is the three points. It’s football – sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t,” Musa said.
“I’m sure I’ll score again soon. I hope it’ll be in the Manchester United game
Louis van Gaal’s side trail Manchester City and Arsenal by two points heading into the meeting with the Eagles, who have lost their last three games in all competitions
Manuel Pellegrini’s City currently hold second spot in the standings, and they come into the derby with a positive record against the Red Devils in recent times
Manchester United, which was looking forward to consolidating its leadership of the League, however, had more of the possession but lacked the bite in front of goal
With the Gunners currently just three points behind United, a victory for either side would represent a huge boost in their respective bids to produce strong title challenges
The Red Devils found themselves trailing with just four minutes played as Max Kruse’s through-ball split their defence down the middle, allowing Daniel Caligiuri to nip in and slide the ball beyond David de Gea
During the early weeks of the season, much was made of Manchester United’s lack of a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch, but since the international break, 10 goals from four fixtures seem to show that Louis van Gaal is close to finding the right formula at Old Trafford
A first victory in three for the Red Devils lifts them up to second place on goal difference, while their underwhelming arch-rivals are now down in ninth
The Spaniard’s strike deflected off a defender and fell kindly for Hernandez, but Krul made yet another save.
Into stoppage time, a corner was aimed towards Smalling, and the central defender’s header struck the right post as Newcastle somehow came away with a clean sheet
Louis van Gaal’s team welcomes to Old Trafford a Magpies side that are still looking for their first league win under new manager, Steve McClaren
The Red Devils worked their way into an early rhythm in the first half and Memphis Depay had their first attempt as he found space outside the box, but his effort was saved by David Bingham