He enjoyed that

By Chris O'Brien
March 7 2015

Yet again we find ourselves writing that it wasn't "vintage" United - but, ultimately, Ashley Young seized on a late defensive mix-up from Newcastle to bag another win for Louis van Gaal's men. 

Forget vintage - van Gaal's philosophy seems, increasingly, to be play average football and scrape a win. Indeed, recent triumphs against Sunderland and Preston encapsulate this approach - as do many other of the 18 wins chalked up by the Red Devils this season.

The headlines, aside from an early Newcastle penalty claim and an unsavoury spitting incident involving Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse, also focused on another lacklustre display from Angel di Maria.

The Argentinean was again hauled off after a subdued performance, whilst fellow big-money star Falcao warmed the bench throughout, surely sensationally frustrated as he watched his team-mates struggle to carve out chances.

Di Maria and Falcao were supposed to be the two men who unleashed new life into United this season - but the travelling Red Army has Wayne Rooney and Young to thank for grabbing maximum points.

Harassed by Rooney's energy, Mehdi Abeid played a poor back pass to 'keeper Tim Krul, who woefully swept a dodgy clearance into the path of Young. The former Villa man turned home, and showed great passion as he celebrated a crucial goal in United's hunt for a top four berth. Just how it should be.

Some of that passion from Di Maria and, if selected, Falcao would be nice. Both are exceptional talents, but face difficult times as United claim another unconvincing but crucial win.

Full Time - Newcastle United 0-1 Manchester United (Attendance - 49,801)