Premier League round-up: Burnley deny Chelsea, while Swansea shock Man United

Ex-Manchester City youngster Ben Mee handed his former side a huge boost in their race for the Premier League title as his goal saw Burnley hold leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.

It had looked like the Blues were on their way to a victory at Stamford Bridge when the in-from Branislav Ivanovic struck his fourth goal in six games from an Eden Hazard cut-back.

But Jose Mourinho’s men lost their discipline as the game wore on and after watching the usually reliable Nemanja Maticreceive a red card for throwing Ashley Barnes to the ground following a challenge from the Clarets striker.

With Chelsea down to ten men, Sean Dyche’s side capitalised and Mee powered home a header from a Kieran Trippier corner to give Burnley a share of the spoils and leave Mourinho fuming about two dropped points and some turned down penalty appeals.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s seven game unbeaten run has come to an end after they were defeated 2-1 by Swansea City in the Premier League.

The Jacks’ early pressure nearly got the opening goal but Ander Herrera, in a rare start, did well to stop Bafetimbi Gomis’ goal-bound effort from crossing the line.

And the Spanish midfielder, who Louis van Gaal has been reluctant to start in recent weeks, proved his worth further as he gave the Red Devils the lead, sweeping Angel di Maria’s cute pass into the far corner.

But Man United were undone by their hosts moments later as Ki Sung-Yueng forged his way into the box and flicked a header into the net from Jonjo Shelvey’s left-wing cross.

And with 17 minutes to go Shelvey’s rifled long-range strike was deflected past a stranded David De Gea when Gomis, in trying to get out of the way of the shot, got his head on the ball.

United's defeat allowed Arsenal to move above them into third place as the Gunners dispatched London rivals Crystal Palace2-1 at Selhurst Park.

The visitors grabbed the lead with just eight minutes on the clock with Santi Cazorla converting a spot-kick after Danny Welbeck was felled by Eagles defender Papa Souare.

And in first half stoppage time Arsene Wenger’s men doubled their lead as Olivier Giroud, whose form has been excellent since his return to fitness, scored his 50th goal for the club with a tap-in after Julian Speroni clawed away a Welbeck shot.

Mesut Ozil hit the bar as they looked to extend their lead further but their first half double was all Arsenal needed to claim all three points, even when Glenn Murray tapped in a late consolation strike.

Tim Sherwood’s first game in charge of Aston Villa ended in a defeat as Victor Moses hit injury time winner from the penalty spot for Stoke.

Scott Sinclair, on loan from Manchester City, had put the Villans ahead before Mame Biram Diouf headed home a Steven Ireland cross to eqaulise for Mark Hughes’ Potters.

And following a mistimed Ron Vlaar challenge, which earned the Dutchman a red card, Moses stepped up and converted from the spot to hand Stoke a 2-1 win.

Queens Park Rangers’ bad away form continued as they lost 2-1 to Hull City.

Nikica Jelavic’s volley from a Tom Huddlestone free-kick put the Tigers a goal to the good and QPR’s task got even harder when Joey Barton was given a straight red card after 32 minutes for a below the belt jab on Huddlestone.

Chris Ramsey’s side showed their resolve though and Charlie Austin headed home the in-form Matt Phillips’ cross six minutes before the break.

But January summer signing Dame N’Doye was the match-winner again for Steve Bruce as he headed in his second goal in two games.

And at the Stadium of Light it ended 0-0 between Sunderlandand West Brom.

An early Sebastian Larsson free-kick crashed into the side netting as Gus Poyet’s men looked for an early goal and Adam Johnson saw a goal disallowed before the break too.

But in the end neither side could grab a winner as they continue to glance over their shoulders

Former Chelsea striker claims Manchester City unlikely to catch Blues

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The only team that has a chance of catching Chelsea in this year's Premier League title race is Manchester City, and even then it’s unlikely Mourinho’s men won’t be crowned champions in May, Tony Cascarino has told talkSPORT.

Manuel Pellegrini's side sit seven points behind the Blues in second place, having fallen further behind in recent weeks following a surprising 1-1 draw with Hull City and a shock 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal.

When asked about his old team’s Premier League title prospects, Cascarino told the Weekend Sports Breakfast: “The only team that can catch [Chelsea] is the one that suffers from complacency more than any other in the Premier League - Man City. But I still think they’ll have those odd performances that will cost them dearly.”

Chelsea host Burnley at Stamford Bridge today and while Cascarino doesn’t expect anything other than a home win, he feels that Burnley have a chance of securing a result – if they play their own game.

He added: “If Burnley were prepared to ask different questions [like] Bradford and Tottenham, who managed to find a way of really hurting Chelsea by being very brave [they can win]”.

It's official! Mayweather and Pacquiao agree to fight in May

Floyd Mayweather has announced he has agreed a deal to fight Manny Pacquiao in May.

The undefeated 11-times world champion posted a picture of the signed contract on social network Shots and confirmed the fight would take place on May 2, adding: "I promised the fans we would get this done and we did."

The pair, who both beat Ricky Hatton before the Mancunian retired, have long been considered the two best fighters of their generation and boxing fans have been itching for them to get in the ring for years.

Mayweather, unbeaten after 47 professional fights, and Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, have tried and failed in the past to reach an agreement, but now the bout is finally set in stone.

"I am glad my decision to meet with Manny and discuss making this fight happen helped get the deal done," Mayweather said in a statement.

"Giving the fans what they want to see is always my main focus. This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport. Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2.

"I am the best ever, TBE, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win. Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won't be successful. He will be number 48

Yaya look forward to summer exit at City

Inter Milan are preparing a stunning summer swoop for Manchester City star Yaya Toure, according to reports in Spain.

The 31-year-old's current contract at the Etihad runs until 2017 but, while the Premier League champions are looking to extend that, his future at the club remains uncertain.

Toure has become a pivotal figure in the City squad after arriving from Barcelona in 2010 for £24m.

The Ivorian has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup during his time in Manchester, but now, according to Sport, Inter Milan are trying to lure the Ivory Coast international away from the Etihad.

Toure worked with Inter boss Roberto Mancini during his time in charge of City and the Italian is hoping that will persuade him to make the switch.

Chelsea to discuss new 4-year deal with Mourinho

Chelsea are set to hand Jose Mourinho a new long-term deal at the end of the season.

The London Evening Standard says they've agreed to wait until the summer to discuss a new, four-year contract.

Mourinho’s current deal runs out at the end of the 2016-17 season.

He has consistently stated since returning to the club in June 2013 that he wanted to remain at Chelsea for a longer period than his first spell, which lasted just over three years.

Mourinho 'ashamed' by racism incident in Paris as Chelsea issue apology to victim

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Jose Mourinho says he feels "ashamed" by the racist actions of a group of Chelsea fans in Paris, but has sought to distance the club from the incident.

Chelsea’s battling performance in the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night was overshadowed after a shocking video emerged of a section of supporters chanting “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it”, while preventing a black passenger from boarding a Metro train in the French capital ahead of the game.

"We feel ashamed but maybe we shouldn't because I refuse to be connected with these people," Mourinho said, ahead of the clash with Burnley this weekend.

"I'm connected with Chelsea and the many good things this club defends. I left Chelsea in 2007 and I couldn't wait to be back.

"I felt ashamed when I knew what happened, but I repeat I'm a proud Chelsea manager because I know what this club is."

"I feel ashamed to have been connected with this sad episode that happened and I have no more words."

Mourinho confirmed that his views are shared in Chelsea's dressing room.

"The reaction of the players is the same reaction that we all have," he added.

"I have a squad at Chelsea where 12 or 14 players have African nationality or an African connection.

"Our dressing room has always had big principles of equality over everything - race, religion, everything.

"So the dressing room reacted in the same way I did, with disappointment and obviously condemning the situation and supporting the gentleman involved.

"But there is also the feeling that while we feel ashamed, maybe we shouldn't because we are not this and these people don't belong to us.

"Since minute one we have done absolutely everything because we have zero tolerance to this. We have to keep feeling our club is a great club and has no space for people like this."

Chelsea have suspended three people from Stamford Bridge following the incident, and issued an apology to the victim ahead of Mourinho's press conference.

“I'd like to make clear, on behalf of everyone at the club, our disgust at the incident. We were appalled by what we saw," a club spokesman said.

"The club would also like to apologise unreservedly to Souleymane for the behaviour of a small number of individuals and their unforgivable action towards him.

"We're writing to him to apologise and to invite him to come to a game as our guest."

Chelsea sensation! Hazard AND Courtois wanted to play for Spurs.

Eden Hazardand Thibaut Courtois should be starring for Tottenham right now, Harry Redknapp revealed exclusively to talkSPORT.
Speaking while co-hosting a special edition of talkSPORT's Drivetime show, Redknapp claims the Belgian duo had agreed to move to White Hart Lane during his time as Spurs boss but the club did not act quick enough to close out the deals, allowing London rivals Chelsea to pounce.
Hazard has since developed into one of the world's best midfielders at Stamford Bridge, while Courtois has emerged as arugably the finest young goalkeeper in the game.
And Redknapp, who left Tottenham in June 2012, has spoken of his disappointment that he did not land the duo, claiming it could have turned Spurs from top four contenders into title winners and kept him in a job.
"I was with Hazard in Paris, four hours I spent with him. He wanted to come to Tottenham, but the deal dragged on and didn't happen," he revealed on talkSPORT Drivetime.
"The goalkeeper, Courtois, we had him for next to nothing when he was 17 and that was another deal that dragged on forever and we didn't get it over the line. He should have been at Tottenham.
"If we had of bought one or two players in at that time that we could have got, I felt we would have had a team capable of winning the league."

Clarke named Europe captain for 2016 Ryder Cup

Darren Clarke has been named Europe's Ryde Cup captain for the 2016 contest with the United States at Hazeltine.

The 46-year-old Northern Irishman, who played in five Ryder Cups and was a vice-captain in 2010 and 2012, was chosen ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn by a five-man selection panel at Wentworth.

Clarke said: "I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016. The Ryder Cup has been a massive part of my life and my career, so to have the chance to lead Europe next year is a huge honour.

"I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine next year."

The selection panel consisted of the three most recent captains - Paul McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie - along with European Tour chief executive George O'Grady and players' representative David Howell.

McGinley and Clarke's relationship has been severely strained since Clarke put himself forward for the 2014 captaincy, having previously sent McGinley a letter supporting the Dubliner's candidacy.

And when Tom Watson was named US captain in December 2012, Clarke suggested 2010 captain Montgomerie should also be considered as ''whoever it is standing on that stage opposite Tom Watson needs a huge presence''.

With the support of star players such as Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter it was McGinley who eventually won the day, and he insisted after leading Europe to victory at Gleneagles last year that he would not let personal feelings affect his view on his successor.

Clarke has also stated he would be "foolish" not to immediately seek McGinley's advice if given the daunting job of following in his footsteps.

The last of Clarke's five appearances as a player was an emotionally-charged occasion at the K Club in 2006, when he somehow won all three of his matches just weeks after the death of his first wife Heather from cancer.

Clarke and long-time friend Lee Westwood played the final fourball match of the first session against Phil Mickelson and Chris Di Marco, with Clarke hitting his opening drive more than 300 yards down the fairway and then holing from 12 feet for birdie.

After failing to qualify for the next two contests, Clarke was a surprise winner of the Open Championship at Royal St George's in 2011, but has failed to record a single top-10 finish on the European Tour since.

In contrast, Jimenez and Bjorn have remained competitive, with Bjorn making his third appearance as a player at Gleneagles and 51-year-old Jimenez extending his record as the Tour's oldest winner with victory in the Spanish Open last year.

The US captain is due to be officially named next week, although it has been widely reported that former captain Davis Love has been handed the chance for redemption after being on the wrong end of the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012.

Chelsea supporter defends Paris Metro racism incident

A fan present during the startling scenes at a Paris train station in which Chelsea supporters prevented a black man from boarding a train has defended the group's actions.

Mitchell McCoy, a 17-year-old fan, claims supporters were singing about captain John Terry and that other passengers were also blocked from entering.

The south west London club have vowed to support criminal prosecutions and ban any fans after footage, posted on the Guardian website, showed the commuter trying to board a Metro train in the French capital.

He is blocked by what appears to be a group of Chelsea fans travelling to the Parc des Princes for the 1-1 draw with Paris St Germain on Tuesday night.

Mitchell McCoy was one of around 40 or 50 Chelsea supporters on the train and he stated they were singing about Terry, who was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by the Football Association in October 2012 for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. In Terry's case, the regulatory commission stated that the Chelsea captain was "not a racist".

McCoy, a season-ticket holder who travelled to Paris with five friends, was named on Twitter following the publication of the video.

The 17-year-old from Fulham in London told Press Association Sport: "I'm not in the video but I'm on the carriage. We got on the train and at the station where the man was trying to get on we stopped for a couple of minutes.

"He tried to get on and a few people were pushing him off because there wasn't much space on the carriage. You couldn't move.

"People were saying it was because he was black. It's not true at all. I personally think it's because he was a PSG fan. Obviously they didn't want him anywhere with us.

"That guy in the video tried to force himself on, so they pushed him off."

A chant of "We're racist and that's the way we like it" is clearly audible on the video, but McCoy contended it was not about the passenger.

He added: "That song was about John Terry. The only words I know is 'he's a racist, he's a racist' and I don't know the rest."

Asked why that song was sung at that moment, he said: "I'm not sure. I didn't sing it.

"It wasn't just that one time that it happened. It wasn't just with the black people that we weren't letting on.

"There was white people, women that people weren't allowing on. There was no space.

"They were saying, 'You can't get on this carriage, you have to go somewhere else'."

McCoy believes fingers were pointed at him following "a stupid Tweet I did last night, (about) the John Terry song".

He is aware of Chelsea's plan to support any criminal prosecution and hand out banning orders to any supporters found to have offended.

"I wouldn't say (I am) worried, because I haven't done anything wrong, neither has any of my mates," he said.

"I don't see how that can be used against me because I'm not in the video.

"Of course we're concerned (about being banned). It wouldn't surprise me at all.

"(But) they ban you for anything. It wouldn't surprise me."

Asked if he would be prepared to help Chelsea identify those involved, McCoy added: "I don't recognise any of them so I wouldn't be much use."

Video: Chelsea warn fans they face bans following Paris Metro incident

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Chelsea have warned they are prepared to ban any fans who prevented a black man from boarding a train in Paris and chanted: "We're racist and that's the way we like it."
Footage posted on the Guardian website, and below, shows the commuter trying to board a Metro train in the French capital but he is blocked by what appears to be a group of Chelsea fans travelling to the Parc des Princes for the 1-1 Champions League draw with Paris St Germain on Tuesday night.
It is not confirmed if the men on the train were Chelsea supporters heading to the Champions League clash, but the club released a statement condemning the incident and said they will take action if supporters are found to be involved.
"Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society," the club said, according to the Guardian.
"We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."
Former England player Stan Collymore took to social media to call for the men to be banned if they are Chelsea fans, saying: "Chelsea fans. Save your spite for those on the train, I'm sure you'll want to see them banned from holding season tickets at your club."
In the video the group of men are seen gesturing at the commuter and pushing him out of the carriage when he tries to step in.
On a second attempt the man pointed to a space where he could stand but is pushed away again as he steps forward, before the group erupt into chanting while other train users look on from the platform bewildered.
The Guardian reported that Paul Nolan, a British expatriate, filmed the clip on his phone on his way home from work.
"The doors were open and I could see and hear that a lot of chanting was going on," he told the newspaper. "It looked like it was quite aggressive so I just took out by phone to record it."
He added: "He (the commuter) was obviously completely shocked when they pushed him off. I don't think he realised who they were. He then tried to get on again and got pushed off a second time.
"I was just completely appalled by it and so that's why I tried to catch some of it on my phone, although I was a bit self-conscious as it was getting quite aggressive and I overheard one of the Chelsea fans say something about stabbing someone. I think he was referring to a Paris St Germain supporter who was on the platform."

Taylor qualifies for England increment contract

James Taylor has qualified for an England increment contract.

The middle-order batsman, who narrowly and controversially missed out on a maiden England hundred in the heavy World Cup defeat against co-hosts Australia last Friday, is awarded the mandatory deal after featuring in 10 one-day internationals so far in 2014/15.

The 25-year-old also has two Test caps to his name, dating back to 2012.

He was quickly discarded then, but may be in the reckoning for a return in an Ashes year after his impressive run of form in ODIs.

Mick Newell, Taylor's coach at Nottinghamshire and also an England selector, acknowledges that more Test caps could be in the offing for the diminutive batsman.

He told trentbridge.co.uk: "James' contract is well-deserved and merited.

"He's had a terrific winter so far. Lots of people who have seen him play a lot wouldn't have been surprised by that.

"We felt the time was right for him to play and blossom at that level, and he has made an excellent start.

"There is no reason why, in time, he can't play for England in all forms of cricket."

England are set to name a squad next month to travel to the West Indies for three Tests in April and May.

PSG 1-1 Chelsea: Blues weather second-half storm to escape with draw

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A flustered Chelsea managed to cling on to claim a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in a rough-and-tumble first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Jose Mourinho’s Blues were second best throughout the encounter and appeared uncharacteristically unorganised at times, with Thibaut Courtois making a series a fine saves to deny Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Blaise Matuidi.

Nevertheless, despite rarely posing a threat in the opening 30 minutes, it was Chelsea who took a first-half lead through Branislav Ivanovic’s header, assisted by an inspired backheeled flick from Gary Cahill.

PSG has chances to hit back before the break but it was a lead the visitors held, though it took little time for the hosts to equalise after the re-start.

The Blues’ back-four were caught asleep on more than one occasion but often managed to scrap themselves out of danger, but that wasn’t the case when another lapse allowed Cavani to ghost in the box unmarked to head home Matuidi’s cross on 54 minutes.

It was a thoroughly one-sided affair from that point, with Courtois twice denying Ibrahimovic as well as former Chelsea man David Luiz, but the stubborn Premier League side managed to hold on to escape with a decent result ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

Both teams appeared very guarded in a slow start at the Parc des Princes, but the game suddenly burst into life as Courtois was forced into back-to-back saves to deny towering headers from Matuidi and Ibrahimovic.

PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu was soon called into action to pluck Hazard’s cross-cum-shot out of the air, and he was on hand again moments later to punch out a dangerous free-kick, with Cesc Fabregasaiming for John Terry in the area.

It was a rare venture in their opponents’ box from Chelsea and their opening goal, scoring with their first shot on target, came as a cruel blow for the hosts, who had created all the game’s best chances.

It was an unlikely combination for the goal, too, as defensive trio Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic linked up to put the Blues in front, Terry’s cross magnificently flicked on by Cahill on the edge of the box, with Ivanovic arriving from deep to loop a header into the net.

Ibrihamovich has a good chance to ensure his side went into the break level with a free-kick from a dangerous position, but – after David Luiz remarkably wiped off the referee’s marking foam and moved the ball closer to the goal – the Swedish star arrowed his strike over the bar.

It seemed another ‘park the bus’ performance could see Chelsea come away with a welcomed away result, but PSG havent lost at home in Europe since 2006 and they were level moments after the break thanks to Cavani.

The enigmatic Ibrahimovic has often overshadowed Cavani throughout their forward partnership but it was Uruguayan who starred here, orchestrating all of the hosts’ best attacking moves and scoring his sixth goal in seven Champions League games with a thumping close-range header.

It was poor defending from Chelsea, with Cahill allowing the forward far too much space in the box, and, with the returning Diego Costa out of sorts following his three match ban, they lacked attacking presence to reclaim their lead, despite the best efforts of the lively Eden Hazard.

The Parisians were rampant in the remaining minutes but were frustrated by a mix of sublime goalkeeping and fortunate defending, Courtois saving from Ibrahimovic after some silky footwork saw the forward clean through on goal, with Cesar Azpilicueta then clearing off the line to deny Ezequiel Lavezzi on the rebound.

It appeared Chelsea's scrambling efforts were to be for nothing, though, when Cavani twinkletoed around two defenders to go through one-on-one in the box, only for the forward to toe poke his shot just wide of the post.

And a frantic finale concluded when Ibrahimovic again saw a header well tipped away by Courtois, as Mourinho’s men managed to hold on.

‘They gave everything’ – Mourinho hails Chelsea’s fighting spirit against PSG

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho praised his under-weather side’s fighting spirit as they held on to claim a 1-1 draw with a rampant Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The Blues were forced to camp in their own half for much of their last-16 first leg, as the hosts ramped up the pressure in search of a winning goal after Edinson Cavanicancelled out Branislav Ivanovic's opener.
The Premier League leaders looked out of sorts throughout, with Mourinho revealing a number of their key players were unable to properly train ahead of the tie.
But the Blues once again displayed their trademark resilience to see out the draw, and the boss said after the game he couldn’t have asked more of his players.
"[Eden] Hazard, Willian, Oscar, [Cesc] Fabregas, Ivanovic, they didn't train," Mourinho said.
"They did some individual training just to try to keep rolling and moving. Yesterday they trained because you [the media] were there.
"Fabregas had three days in bed, came to play without training. Injured guys [played] without training. They gave everything."
Mourinho also lauded Ivanovic's obvious knack of scoring key goals, having netted the decisive goal in the 2013 Europa League final and against Liverpool last month as Chelsea advanced to next month's Capital One Cup final
"Iva has more this feeling in big occasions," Mourinho added.
"It looks like he chooses the moment."
Despite a harried performance, Chelsea can afford to feel optimistic about their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals thanks to the defender’s vital away goal.
PSG showed enough attacking threat for Chelsea to be wary in the return leg at Stamford Bridge on March 11, but the Blues are better placed this time than the sides’ meeting last season, when they needed Demba Ba's last-gasp strike to advance to the semi-finals on away goals.
Nevertheless, Mourinho played down Chelsea's favourites' tag.
"The advantage is minimal," said the Portuguese coach.
"Obviously a two-leg game is now one leg. Now everything is decided at Stamford Bridge, not in two matches where they have a fantastic record [at home].
"It's not a victory, 3-0 or 4-0 that ends the story. They are a fantastic team, fantastic players. We did okay"

QPR SKIPPER BARTON SLAMS PSG AND IBRA EGO: BLANC CAN'T HANDLE HIM

QPR skipper Joey Barton has taken a swipe at PSG and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea.

Barton, a former Olympique Marseille player, has questioned the culture at PSG.

"The Parisians should be quietly at the top of Ligue 1, but this is not the case," he told Le Parisien.

"Ibrahimovic, obviously, has a lot of weight inside the club and we know his ego. It must be hard to handle for a coach. Laurent Blanc is, I suppose, less powerful for the owners than Ibra."

Barton continued: "I feel like there is not always joy in the locker room. To hope to eliminate Chelsea, you need solidarity and a perfect state of mind. Chelsea play better as a team.

"The Parisians are a sum of individualities rather than a true collective."

Man United’s ‘unbelievable team spirit’ pleases Van Gaal

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."

Man United transfer news: Six midfielders Louis van Gaal could target this summer

6. Koke: La Liga winner to follow Spanish contingent at Old Trafford? Click the arrow to see more possible midfield targets for van Gaal

The Spain international was an integral part of the Atletico Madrid side that won La Liga last season – breaking the Real Madrid/Barcelona monopoly. Koke has become Xavi’s unofficial heir in the Spanish national team and he has also been earmarked for a move to the Camp Nou. However, former United boss David Moyes scouted the 23-year-old last season, and despite signing a new deal through to 2019 last summer, Koke could become United’s ‘new Paul Scholes’ if van Gaal pursued the Spaniard.

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed he is on the hunt for a new midfielder to join in the summer.

Question marks still hang over the Dutchman’s tactical approach, and when asked if Wayne Rooney has been deployed in midfielder due to a lack of creativity, he responded: "Of course that’s the case. I’m looking for balance and I need it in midfield."

Rooney has yet to have a shot on goal in 2015 and hasn’t scored in nine matches – stretching back to Boxing Day against Newcastle United.

United’s search for a new midfielder bodes well for Rooney’s long-term chase to become United’s all-time record goalscorer, but who could Van Gaal sign? Take a look I. The slideshow above.

‘Rooney is a CHEAT!’ Collymore slams Man United captain

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Former England striker Stan Collymore branded Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney a cheat after he appeared to dive for a penalty during Monday’s FA Cup victory at Preston North End.

The League One side battled well throughout the tie and took a surprise lead at Deepdale, but United came back to secure a 3-1 win, with their last goal scored by Rooney from the spot.

It was a decision shrouded with controversy, with replays showing minimal contact from goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann as he came out to challenge the striker for the ball.

Down he went though, and talkSPORT pundit Collymore said following the game that there is no doubt it was a clear dive from the Red Devils skipper.

“He toe pokes the ball past the goalkeeper, who he knows is coming out quickly, and he dives,” Stan told Kick Off. “That’s cheating, we’ve had this debate a million times.

“People defend it by saying because there was a trip ‘threat’, that Wayne Rooney has the right to get out of the way and go down.

“But why not jump over him, collect the ball and stick it in the back of the net like what used to happen? You can gloss it all you like, but for me Wayne Rooney has cheated the opposition to get a penalty.

“When you wear that respect campaign armband, you owe it to the fans and the game not to do that.

"I’m bitterly disappointed, he is the England captain and Manchester United captain and he’s better than that.”

England manager Roy Hodgson was also in attendance at Deepdale as a pundit and defended his skipper on air following the game, saying the striker had taken “evasive action” to avoid contact from the goalkeeper.

And Collymore was less than impressed with the Three Lions boss, saying his reaction was “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.

He added: “It’s absolutely embarrassing that the manager of the England nation team doesn’t show enough balls to come out and say, ‘we have the respect campaign at the FA and we don’t want to see our players diving’.

“Instead he has yielded to his most important player. It’s a disgrace for Hodgson to say that Rooney was taking evasive action because he wasn’t, he’s dived, he’s cheated, and as England manager he should be looking to stamp these things out!

“That’s the duplicity of modern managers. Mourinho, Wenger, they all do it. When it works for them, they turn a blind eye, but when there is a decision against them, suddenly the opposition players are divers and cheaters, and it’s not good enough.”