Manchester United 2 - 1 Swansea: Five talking points

Manchester United ended their run of eight games without a win with a hard earned new year win over Swansea.

Anthony Martial was the star of the evening as he scored the first and assisted the second. Wayne Rooney got back on the scorers sheet, while Ashley Young also shine for the United team.

Redlyunited brings out five talking points from the game.

1. Great all round team performance:

After eight matches without a win, series of team meetings, talks and discussions, the United team finally produced win. It was an all round collective effort from all department of the United team.

The defence marshalled by Smalling did a great job, Schneiderlin and Bastian were highly influential in the midfield, while Martial, Rooney and Mata on the attack were massive.

2. Versatile Young:

The United wingback doubled as a winger and as a defender in the game. He combined both roles perfectly and provided the assist for the first goal. One of the best performers in the United jersey on the evening, providing the assist for the first goal.

3. Martial a good winger, but a better striker:

Since his arrival at United, Van Gaal has stated his love for multi-positional players, and has always favoured buying them. But as for Martial, there is no  debate as to where he performs best. on the wings or playing through the middle?

His goals and moves says it all, most of his goals have come when he plays within the box. Against Swansea, his best and most dangerous moves were from the middle. He is a good winger but better and more effective playing as a central striker.

4. United's resurgence could start from here:

Over the last two games, United have shown signs of improvement. The barren draw against Chelsea that saved Van Gaal's job at United, followed by this hard earned victory may be far from impressive, but could be the beginning of better things to come from the team.

Three or four straight victories will definitely pull United again into the title race. All that's needed is consistency and confidence.

5. Van Gaal may last longer than some people expect:

Van Gaal will never be close to losing his job as he was last December. Fans and a lot of pundits felt it was the beginning of the end for the Dutchman.

But one thing looked sure, the United board were not in a hurry to change their manager, despite the intense pressure.

But with United opening a new  year with this victory, Van Gaal will most likely remain at the helm of affairs till the end of the season or more.