Van Gaal Explains United's FA Cup Fightback

Louis van Gaal says he solved the problem posed by Preston North End in the FA Cup by changing the shape of his Manchester United side.

The Reds trailed to Scott Laird's early second-half opener but hit back with three goals to earn a quarter-final spot against holders Arsenal at Old Trafford. Ashley Young replaced Radamel Falcao on the hour mark with Marouane Fellaini switched to attack and the tactical move paid dividends with the Belgian scoring the second goal.

"I was reasonably satisfied with the first half," said the boss. "We didn't give anything away and it's always difficult in such games especially with the long balls and the fights between the central defenders and Kevin Davies.

"It's always difficult but we only gave away one chance, I believe, in the first half. Then, in the second half, their goal was a little bit unlucky because it deflected but, after then, we showed an unbelievable team spirit again. We changed the shape and that was the solution.

"I think we scored fantastic goals also but were a little bit lucky as well. It was good, especially the second goal when [Antonio] Valencia crossed to the far post for Fellaini. I liked it very much because we trained on that a lot. I was very happy for Valencia."

Fellaini remains an awkward and effective competitor for defenders to deal with and the Belgian took his second chance superbly after his initial header was saved by Thorsten Stuckmann.

"Yes, Fellaini has the body [strength]," van Gaal said. "We can always overcome the pressure with him and he scores goals also. I played him for the first time in the position he wants but I have not always got a position for him and that's my problem."