Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hailed his side’s “unbelievable team spirit” after the Red Devils came from behind to beat Preston North End in the FA Cup fifth round.
A 3-1 victory at Deepdale sealed United’s progression to the quarter-finals, where they will face Premier League rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford, but it wasn’t plain sailing for the top flight side.
After a goalless first half, Scott Laird put the dogged League One Lilywhites ahead only for Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellainiand Wayne Rooney - from a disputed penalty - to win it for United.
And Van Gaal, whose side have now suffered just one defeat in 19 games, was pleased with the performance.
"In the first half I was reasonably satisfied, we don't give anything away which is always difficult in such games, especially against long balls and the fights between central defenders and [Preston striker Kevin] Davies," said the Dutchman.
"Second half, the [Preston] goal was a little bit unlucky, it was deviated.
"But then we showed an unbelievable team spirit. We changed the shape and that was the solution I think. We scored fantastic goals, but a little bit lucky also I think."
United were a much improved prospect when the ineffective Radamel Falcao made way, with Ashley Young – who assisted Herrera’s goal – coming off the bench and Fellaini utilised further up the pitch.
Asked about the Belgian's contribution, Van Gaal acknowledged he had taken a rare chance in an advanced position but cast doubt over whether it would regularly be available to him.
"He [Fellaini] has body, we can always put pressure with him, he also scores goals," added the United boss.
"I played him in the position that he wants for the first time but I do not always have a position for him."
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