Manchester United 1-0 Sheffield United: Wayne Rooney rescues Van Gaal after dismal display

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Manchester United advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a slender 1-0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

After a less than inspiring performance over 90 minutes, the hosts finally broke the deadlock on a frustrating night as Memphis Depay won his side a penalty in injury time before Wayne Rooney stepped up and made no mistake from the spot in the 93rd minute.

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The late drama would undoubtedly have broken Sheffield United hearts given the nature of their battling performance, as the visitors would have felt as though they had done enough to earn a replay.

However, they were left to rue their luck as a lapse in concentration late on gave United the chance that they needed to secure safe passage to the next round.

Nevertheless, the performance and lack of attacking intent from the Red Devils would have done little to ease the tension with the supporters who were left bitterly frustrated with another disappointing display.

Having failed to create opportunities and put their inferior opposition under long periods of pressure, the tension was certainly growing within the Old Trafford faithful as the game went on.

After their draw with Chelsea was followed with a win over Swansea City to end an eight-game winless streak in all competitions, it appeared as though Van Gaal may well have put his men back on the right track.

However, Saturday’s performance and result would certainly have put him back in the firing line in the eyes of many ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash at St James’ Park against Newcastle United.

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