Preston 1-3 Manchester United: 5 talking points

Manchester United came from a goal down to beat Preston North End 3-1 and set up a mouth-watering quarter-final tie at home to Arsenal in the FA Cup. The home side took the lead early in the second half thanks to Scott Laird's deflected effort. But the FA Cup which has already seen so many upsets in the last couple of rounds wasn't ready to see another one as the visitors got back into the game.The equaliser came from Ashley Young's cross on the right flank, which was calmly converted by Ander Herrera. The Red Devils took the lead after Marouane Fellaini followed up his header, which was saved by the keeper with an unstoppable shot from a few yards out. Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot in the dying minutes of the game to secure safe passage into the quarter final.Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 United show plenty of resilience

Yes, United's passing was pedestrian in the first half. Yes, given the quality of attackers on the pitch, they should have worked the home keeper more. But you simply cannot fault the character of this United side. Positive reaction to adversity is what separates the good side from a great side.

Although this squad of players aren't forming a great team so far, they are certainly showing the characteristics and resilience that will help get them there. Victory over Preston means that the Red Devils are now unbeaten in seven games and have lost just once since early November.

While they don't always play the beautiful football, they are still third in the league and just a win away from getting to Wembley in the FA Cup and at the end of the season, it is the results rather than the performances that count.

#2 Rooney finally back to where he belongs

One of the problems you have with a versatile player is that you are often unsure of what his best position. In Rooney's case, although his best position is, as a striker, he is so effective all around the park that it makes it difficult for Van Gaal to play him in his best position.

Although the Englishman might eventually end his career playing in central midfield, at the moment, as he showed against Preston, he is much more effective up front. Not only did he score his first goal of the calendar year, he was a constant threat, running behind the Preston defence and creating openings for both himself and his teammates.

But given the uncertain nature of the Dutchman's team selections, it would take a brave man to bet that the club captain will start up front against Swansea on Saturday.

#3 Old is still gold

One of the reasons why United has been so successful in the Premier League has been their quality on the flanks. The Red Devils have always had world-class wingers, getting to the byline and putting in dangerous crosses for the strikers to head home.

But Van Gaal's insistence on playing patient, possession football has meant that the club's traditions have been abandoned. But when Young came on for Radamel Falcao, United had width on both flanks with Young and Shaw on the left and Valencia and Di Maria on the right.

And it was crosses from the flanks that led to United's opening two goals. United's attacking play, which had looked ponderous until then, looked lively all of a sudden and maybe that is the way forward for Van Gaal and United.

#4 Herrera highlights Van Gaal\'s selection dilemma

Amidst all the outcry over Rooney's deployment in central midfield, there were some who questioned why Herrera, who was brought in as a central midfielder last summer had started just twice since November. Against Preston, you could see why Van Gaal didn't pick him and why there were those who were clamouring for his selection.

Up until Falcao's removal, Fellaini played as a No.10 and Herrera had to play on the right side of a midfield diamond. Although the Spaniard didn't play badly, he didn't play well enough to merit his place in the starting XI, but once the Colombian left the pitch, Herrera played as a No.10 and showed just how good he is going forward.

The problem for Van Gaal is that he already had too many players vying for the No.10 spot and unless the Dutchman changes his system and Herrera improves his defensive games, it is unlikely that the Spaniard will get a consistent run of games at United.

#5 Davies has still got it

Kevin Davies may have been lucky to have escaped a red card for a tackle on Chris Smalling in the second half, but there was no element of luck in his performance on Monday night. At 37, it is a surprise that the striker is still plying his trade, but his performance against United showed that he is not just there to make up the numbers. Whether it was leaning on defenders and easing them out of the way, holding up long ball and flicking balls on to his strike partner, Davies showed just why he is still a force to be reckoned with in the air. Although United's defending was at times, shambolic, the 37-year-old's aerial prowess was there for all to see.