Manchester United survived a scare against third tier Preston North End to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win at Deepdale on Monday
Ander Herrera of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the FA Cup fifth tie against Preston North End
Preston: Manchester United survived a scare against third tier Preston North End to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win at Deepdale on Monday.
Ander Herrera of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the FA Cup fifth tie against Preston North End. Pic/Getty Images
Louis Van Gaal's star-studded side were in danger of an embarrassing fifth round exit when the unheralded hosts took a shock lead early in the second half through Scott Laird.
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Not for the first time this season, United lacked cohesion for long periods of the game, but they responded to the indignity of Laird's goal with enough composure to finally subdue the underdogs.
Ander Herrera's fortuitous strike levelled the scores just after the hour mark before Marouane Fellaini put United ahead after 72 minutes. Wayne Rooney made the tie safe with a late penalty to set up a fascinating last eight tie at home to Arsenal on the weekend of March 7 and 8.
"I was reasonably satisfied. The fights between Kevin Davies and the defenders were difficult but we didn't give anything away," van Gaal said.
"Preston's goal was a little bit unlucky but we showed an unbelievable team spirit. We changed the shape and that was the solution. We scored fantastic goals."
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