Derby 1-3 Manchester United: Five things we learnt

Manchester United produced an effective performance to knock out the Rams out of the F.A Cup. It was a victory that will ease the pressure on manager Van Gaal. Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata were all in the score sheet. Here are five talking points from the game:

1. United's wingbacks were superb:

Injuries have been unkind to United, especially at the wingback position.

Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw all out. But against Derby, Varela and Borthwick-Jackson were fantastic and efficient.

They played maturely so well. With such performance, Van Gaal may not need to buy another wingback this January. 

2. Rooney maybe back to his best.

In football, the stats don't lie. The United skipper has scored 6 goals in his last 6 Manchester United appearances, and again scored  in three (3) away games in January 2016 same as he did throughout 2015. It's been an effective 2016 from Rooney so far, and it may be fair to say he is back.

3. United's future was on parade.

It looked like a night for the youngsters. Varela, Borthwick-Jackson and Martial were all top notch in the game.

And considering that Lingard was also in the game, though not as effective as the aforementioned, the future looks bright for United.

The first three were the best players for United on the night. All they need is the believe and playing time.

4. Derby didn't turn up:

While its nice to praise the United team, its will also be objective to say Derby were not a stiff opposition for United.

United fans must not be carried away by the victory. And wait till United meet Premier League oppositions before concluding the team is back.

5. Van Gaal keeps his job once again:

There have been wide spread news and believe that the Derby match could be Van Gaal's last if he lost.

He's been in such position a number of times this season, and in all he's come out with more time. The Derby victory was one the Dutchman needed badly, and he got it the perfect way. He would most likely remain United's coach till the end of the season.