Defensive Frailties Cost Manchester United Against Swansea...

After Manchester United beat Burnley 3-1 on February 11, Louis van Gaal admitted his team were "lucky" to win. Following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Swansea, the Dutchman said: "We were an unlucky team. We have dominated for 90 minutes."

This perceived contrast in fortunes between back-to-back Premier League fixtures sums up the erratic nature of United's performances this season. Two defeats in the last 16 top-flight matches belies a search for consistency that has long outlived Van Gaal's initial three-month prediction.

It is certainly debatable whether United were unfortunate against Swansea. They have struggled defensively throughout the past six months and were twice warned about the threat posed by the hosts when Bafetimbi Gomis connected with two first-half corners. If it wasn't for Ander Herrera's crucial intervention on the line to stop the striker's powerful early header, Swansea's impressive fightback may have been unnecessary.

That they were allowed to come from behind to record a first ever league double over United underlines the problems Van Gaal continues to face. Ki Sung-Yueng easily beat Luke Shaw to Jonjo Shelvey's cross to immediately level the score after Herrera's smart opener, while Shelvey was allowed far too much time and space to fire home the winner via Gomis.

Despite those mistakes, United displayed flashes of their quality – particularly in the move for Herrera’s strike – and could still have ground out a victory after dominating the second half. Marcos Rojo, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie all missed good chances, with only three of the visitors’ 18 attempts hitting the target. Swansea - who Van Gaal admitted were "very effective" in attack - tested David de Gea with six of their 11 shots.

The statistics suggest it was another display that could be termed 'sterile domination' - to borrow a popular phrase from Arsene Wenger. With 64 per cent of possession and ten corners to Swansea's four, Van Gaal may have expected his team to secure a vital victory in the race for a top-four place, saying afterwards: "Possession is good, but out of possession your purpose is to score. And we have created many chances, but then you have to score."

Instead, United drop to fourth after being leapfrogged by Arsenal, and could be out of the Champions League places by Sunday evening depending on Southampton's result against Liverpool.

Unless Van Gaal can engender better harmony to United's displays, his main objective of finishing in the top four remains at risk.

Credit: Skysports.com