Match Preview

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Match Report

English FA Cup

Sunday, 4 January 2015,

Yeovil
0
-
Full Time
Live
-
2
Man United
Kickoff: 16:30 BST, live coverage on BT Sport
  • Referee: -
  • Stadium: Huish Park
  • Attendance: 9,264
    • 64' Ander Herrera
    • 90' Ángel Di María

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    Yeovil Town

    Half time

    Full time

    Manchester United

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    Van Gaal prepares for knockouts

    Louis van Gaal dug out a favourite old phrase of his to remind his Manchester United players they will be fighting for their lives when they face Yeovil in the FA Cup on Sunday.

    When asked to sum up the third round match against League One's bottom side at Huish Park, the United manager said: "It is death or the gladioli."

    Dutch road cyclist Gerrie Knetemann is thought to have coined the phrase in the 1970s and 1980s as the winner of Tour de France stages received a bouquet of gladiolus flowers.

    Others believe it dates back to Roman times when gladiators who killed their opponents also received flowers.

    Regardless of its origins, in layman's terms the phrase means one thing - "all or nothing," Van Gaal explains.

    "You are dead or you receive the gladiolus flower. In cup matches it's always like that."

    Van Gaal has won three domestic cups during his managerial career, but it has not always been a rosy picture for the 63-year-old when it comes to knockout competitions.

    In 1996 Van Gaal experienced one of the most embarrassing results of his career in the KNVB Cup when his Ajax team lost to second division side SC Cambuur.

    During Van Gaal's ill-fated second spell at Barcelona, a team of internationals including Xavi, Michael Reiziger, Frank de Boer and Juan Roman Riquelme were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by third tier side Novelda in front of just 5,500 spectators.

    That defeat was so painful for Van Gaal that he has consigned any memory of it to the dustbin

    "I cannot remember anymore. It is wiped out of my mind," he said.

    "But I do remember the criticism in Spain was very high after."

    Van Gaal was also ridiculed after his first experience of cup football in England when his United team were dumped out of the Capital One Cup in August following a 4-0 defeat to MK Dons.

    The Dutchman is eager to avoid another upset and he insists his players will not be complacent against a team that currently sit 65 places below United in the league ladder.

    "We know from our early exit in the Capital One Cup that league places mean nothing in the cups. We will be prepared," Van Gaal added.

    "We have learned from the Milton Keynes game. They are also in League One."

    For Van Gaal, as well as summer signings Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera and Angel di Maria, this will be his first taste of FA Cup football.

    The Dutchman is well aware of the significance of the competition though - and is determined to go all the way as he thinks it is the best chance he has of winning a trophy during his debut year at Old Trafford.

    "It's the shortest way to success," Van Gaal said.

    "We are very interested (in winning it).

    "In the Netherlands we have known for many years that the FA Cup is one of the most important competitions in football."

    Van Gaal will assess his players' fitness before deciding whether to make changes from the XI that drew 1-1 at Stoke on New Year's Day.

    Ashley Young will definitely miss out because of a hamstring injury he sustained at Stoke.

    Gary Johnson has warned his Yeovil players that they cannot afford to be in awe of United.

    The Glovers, rock-bottom of League One having lost their last three matches since overcoming Accrington in their FA Cup second-round replay.

    But Johnson will tell his squad to focus on the match and not shirt swapping with some of the world's biggest names.

    "Being starstruck by Manchester United is a concern and you can't stop human nature," the Yeovil manager told the Western Gazette.

    "This is a one-off game which some of the lads aren't going to have again. I'm sure they will think: 'can I get Wayne Rooney's boots?' You know that's going to happen.

    "But we need to make sure we get into game mode. I don't mind it after the final whistle, but I will have the raging hump if my players swap shirts before then.

    "I don't want the lads having selfies with Wayne Rooney. We are going into battle and trying to stop one of the best teams in the world. So there won't be any selfies while I'm around."

    Yeovil certainly have giant-killing pedigree having knocked out 20 Football League sides during their non-league days and have done battle with United before, back in 1949, on the back of one of their biggest ever scalps.

    The then-Southern League Glovers knocked out Sunderland in the fourth round only to be beaten 8-0 by the Red Devils in front of more than 81,000 fans.

    91'+2

    Joe Edwards clears the ball from danger.

    91'+2

    Jed Steer makes the save (Fumble)

    91'+2

    Ander Herrera hits an impressive right footed shot. Outcome: save

    91'+1

    Throw-in: Tyler Blackett takes it (Attacking)

    91'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    91'

    End of the game

    91'

    The referee has signaled the end of the second half

    90'

    0 - 2

    Goal!! Ángel Di María hits a left footed shot to the lower right corner from the left penalty area and scores!! Manchester United now leads 2 - 0

    90'

    Ángel Di María hits a good left footed shot. Outcome: goal

    90'

    That last goal was assisted by Wayne Rooney

    90'

    Tyler Blackett clears the ball from danger.

    90'

    Simon Gillett (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 90'

    90'

    Juan Mata commits a nasty foul on Simon Gillett resulting on a free kick for Yeovil Town

    89'

    Throw-in: Stephen Arthurworrey takes it (Defending)

    89'

    Jed Steer makes the save (Other)

    89'

    Ángel Di María hits a right footed shot. Outcome: save

    89'

    Ben Nugent clears the ball from danger.

    89'

    David De Gea (Manchester United) Free Kick at 89'

    88'

    Yeovil Town makes a sub: James Hayter enters for Sam Foley. Reason: Tactical

    88'

    Yeovil Town makes a sub: James Berrett enters for Kevin Dawson. Reason: Tactical

    88'

    Tom Eaves commits a foul on Jonathan Evans resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    87'

    Ben Nugent blocks the shot

    87'

    James Wilson hits a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    86'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    86'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi crosses the ball.

    85'

    Nathan Smith crosses the ball.

    83'

    David De Gea (Manchester United) Free Kick at 83'

    83'

    Ben Nugent commits a foul on Jonathan Evans resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    83'

    Simon Gillett (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 83'

    82'

    Wayne Rooney commits a foul on Joe Edwards resulting on a free kick for Yeovil Town

    82'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    81'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    80'

    Stephen Arthurworrey clears the ball from danger.

    80'

    Ángel Di María crosses the ball.

    79'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    79'

    Ángel Di María hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss left

    78'

    Tyler Blackett (Manchester United) Free Kick at 78'

    77'

    Offside called on Kevin Dawson

    77'

    Tom Eaves crosses the ball.

    77'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    77'

    Kieffer Moore hits a left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss left

    77'

    Patrick McNair (Manchester United) Free Kick at 77'

    76'

    Sam Foley commits a foul on Patrick McNair resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    76'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    76'

    Wayne Rooney hits a right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss right

    75'

    Throw-in: Tyler Blackett takes it (Defending)

    75'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    73'

    Nathan Smith crosses the ball.

    73'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    72'

    Chris Smalling blocks the shot

    72'

    Kieffer Moore hits a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    72'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    71'

    David De Gea takes a long goal kick

    71'

    Ángel Di María blocks the shot

    71'

    Joe Edwards hits a good header, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    71'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    70'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    70'

    Wayne Rooney curls a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: over bar

    70'

    Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Free Kick at 70'

    69'

    Yeovil Town makes a sub: Tom Eaves enters for Nathan Ralth. Reason: Tactical

    68'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi commits a foul on Ángel Di María resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    67'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    67'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    67'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 67'

    66'

    Offside called on Ángel Di María

    66'

    Throw-in: Tyler Blackett takes it (Attacking)

    66'

    Stephen Arthurworrey clears the ball from danger.

    66'

    Ángel Di María crosses the ball.

    65'

    David De Gea makes the save (Other)

    65'

    Joe Edwards hits a good left footed shot. Outcome: save

    64'

    Ander Herrera

    64'

    0 - 1

    Goal!! Ander Herrera hits a right footed shot to the upper right corner from the centre and scores!! Manchester United now leads 1 - 0

    64'

    Ander Herrera hits an impressive right footed shot. Outcome: goal

    63'

    Kevin Dawson clears the ball from danger.

    63'

    Ángel Di María crosses the ball.

    63'

    Throw-in: Tyler Blackett takes it (Defending)

    61'

    Stephen Arthurworrey clears the ball from danger.

    61'

    Throw-in: Wayne Rooney takes it (Defending)

    61'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi clears the ball from danger.

    60'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi clears the ball from danger.

    60'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    60'

    Manchester United makes a sub: Ángel Di María enters for Radamel Falcao. Reason: Tactical

    59'

    Ander Herrera crosses the ball.

    59'

    Simon Gillett clears the ball from danger.

    59'

    Nathan Smith clears the ball from danger.

    59'

    Wayne Rooney crosses the ball.

    58'

    Sam Foley clears the ball from danger.

    58'

    Nathan Smith clears the ball from danger.

    58'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    57'

    Ben Nugent clears the ball from danger.

    57'

    Kevin Dawson clears the ball from danger.

    57'

    Tyler Blackett crosses the ball.

    56'

    Ander Herrera (Manchester United) Free Kick at 56'

    56'

    Joe Edwards commits a foul on Ander Herrera resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    56'

    Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Free Kick at 56'

    56'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi commits a foul on Ander Herrera resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    56'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Defending)

    55'

    David De Gea makes the save (Other)

    55'

    Kieffer Moore hits a right footed shot. Outcome: save

    55'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    54'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    53'

    James Wilson hits a good header, but it is off target. Outcome: miss left

    53'

    Tyler Blackett crosses the ball.

    53'

    Throw-in: Tyler Blackett takes it (Defending)

    52'

    Jonathan Evans (Manchester United) Free Kick at 52'

    52'

    Offside called on Kevin Dawson

    51'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    51'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    51'

    Nathan Smith crosses the ball.

    51'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    51'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    50'

    Nathan Smith clears the ball from danger.

    50'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi clears the ball from danger.

    49'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi clears the ball from danger.

    49'

    Throw-in: Tyler Blackett takes it (Attacking)

    49'

    Patrick McNair (Manchester United) Free Kick at 49'

    48'

    Joe Edwards commits a foul on Juan Mata resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    48'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    48'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    48'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    48'

    Jonathan Evans clears the ball from danger.

    48'

    Nathan Smith crosses the ball.

    48'

    Chris Smalling blocks the shot

    48'

    Kieffer Moore hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    47'

    Stephen Arthurworrey clears the ball from danger.

    47'

    Stephen Arthurworrey blocks the shot

    47'

    Ander Herrera hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    46'

    Manchester United makes a sub: Juan Mata enters for Rafael. Reason: Tactical

    46'

    Manchester United makes a sub: Jonathan Evans enters for Luke Shaw. Reason: Tactical

    46'

    The second half is under way

    46'+2

    Throw-in: Luke Shaw takes it (Defending)

    46'+1

    Luke Shaw clears the ball from danger.

    46'+1

    Kieffer Moore clears the ball from danger.

    46'

    Nathan Ralth clears the ball from danger.

    46'

    Ander Herrera crosses the ball.

    46'

    Nathan Smith clears the ball from danger.

    46'

    Sam Foley clears the ball from danger.

    46'

    Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Free Kick at 46'

    46'

    Joe Edwards commits a foul on Wayne Rooney resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    46'

    The referee has signaled the end of the first half

    45'

    Nathan Smith crosses the ball.

    45'

    Wayne Rooney clears the ball from danger.

    45'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    45'

    Kevin Dawson hits a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss left

    45'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    45'

    Sam Foley (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 45'

    45'

    Chris Smalling commits a foul on Nathan Ralth resulting on a free kick for Yeovil Town

    44'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    44'

    Ander Herrera hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss right

    43'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Defending)

    43'

    Rafael (Manchester United) Free Kick at 43'

    42'

    Ben Nugent commits a foul on Radamel Falcao resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    41'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Defending)

    41'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Defending)

    41'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    40'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Defending)

    40'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    40'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    39'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    39'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    39'

    Luke Shaw clears the ball from danger.

    39'

    Ben Nugent (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 39'

    39'

    Darren Fletcher commits a foul on Simon Gillett resulting on a free kick for Yeovil Town

    38'

    Throw-in: Luke Shaw takes it (Attacking)

    38'

    Sam Foley clears the ball from danger.

    38'

    Luke Shaw crosses the ball.

    38'

    Joe Edwards clears the ball from danger.

    38'

    Wayne Rooney crosses the ball.

    38'

    Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Free Kick at 38'

    37'

    Stephen Arthurworrey

    37'

    Stephen Arthurworrey commits a foul on James Wilson resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    36'

    Sam Foley blocks the shot

    36'

    Wayne Rooney hits a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    36'

    Joe Edwards clears the ball from danger.

    35'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Attacking)

    35'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Defending)

    34'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    34'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    34'

    Darren Fletcher clears the ball from danger.

    34'

    Jed Steer (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 34'

    34'

    Darren Fletcher commits a foul on Joe Edwards resulting on a free kick for Yeovil Town

    33'

    Throw-in: Luke Shaw takes it (Attacking)

    32'

    Jed Steer makes the save (Catch)

    32'

    James Wilson hits a good right footed shot. Outcome: save

    32'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Defending)

    31'

    Joe Edwards blocks the shot

    31'

    Wayne Rooney hits a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    31'

    Throw-in: Luke Shaw takes it (Defending)

    30'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    30'

    Joe Edwards crosses the ball.

    30'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    30'

    Chris Smalling (Manchester United) Free Kick at 30'

    29'

    Joe Edwards commits a foul on Darren Fletcher resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    29'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    29'

    Jed Steer (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 29'

    29'

    Offside called on Luke Shaw

    27'

    Stephen Arthurworrey clears the ball from danger.

    26'

    David De Gea makes the save (Other)

    26'

    Stephen Arthurworrey hits a header. Outcome: save

    26'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    26'

    Kevin Dawson crosses the ball.

    26'

    Darren Fletcher clears the ball from danger.

    26'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    25'

    David De Gea (Manchester United) Free Kick at 25'

    24'

    Offside called on Kevin Dawson

    24'

    Throw-in: Simon Gillett takes it (Attacking)

    24'

    David De Gea clears the ball from danger.

    20'

    Tyler Blackett clears the ball from danger.

    20'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    20'

    Kevin Dawson crosses the ball.

    20'

    Radamel Falcao clears the ball from danger.

    20'

    Sam Foley crosses the ball.

    20'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    20'

    Kevin Dawson crosses the ball.

    20'

    Tyler Blackett clears the ball from danger.

    19'

    Tyler Blackett clears the ball from danger.

    19'

    Ben Nugent (Yeovil Town) Free Kick at 19'

    19'

    Rafael commits a foul on Nathan Ralth resulting on a free kick for Yeovil Town

    19'

    Ben Nugent clears the ball from danger.

    18'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    18'

    Radamel Falcao clears the ball from danger.

    18'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    18'

    Radamel Falcao clears the ball from danger.

    18'

    Wayne Rooney blocks the shot

    18'

    Stephen Arthurworrey hits a good header, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    17'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    17'

    Luke Shaw clears the ball from danger.

    17'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    17'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    16'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Defending)

    16'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    16'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    15'

    Wayne Rooney curls a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss right

    15'

    Ben Nugent clears the ball from danger.

    15'

    Luke Shaw (Manchester United) Free Kick at 15'

    15'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi commits a foul on Radamel Falcao resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    15'

    David De Gea (Manchester United) Free Kick at 15'

    14'

    Offside called on Kevin Dawson

    14'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    14'

    Tyler Blackett clears the ball from danger.

    14'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    14'

    Tyler Blackett clears the ball from danger.

    14'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    13'

    Luke Shaw clears the ball from danger.

    13'

    Nathan Smith clears the ball from danger.

    12'

    Ben Nugent clears the ball from danger.

    12'

    Rafael crosses the ball.

    12'

    Chris Smalling (Manchester United) Free Kick at 12'

    12'

    Offside called on Kieffer Moore

    12'

    Darren Fletcher clears the ball from danger.

    12'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    12'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    11'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Attacking)

    10'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Attacking)

    9'

    James Wilson hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    9'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Attacking)

    8'

    Stephen Arthurworrey clears the ball from danger.

    8'

    Sam Foley clears the ball from danger.

    8'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi clears the ball from danger.

    8'

    Joe Edwards blocks the shot

    8'

    Ander Herrera hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: blocked

    7'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Defending)

    7'

    Jed Steer takes a long goal kick

    6'

    Patrick McNair hits a good right footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss right

    6'

    Kevin Dawson crosses the ball.

    6'

    Chris Smalling clears the ball from danger.

    6'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    5'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Attacking)

    5'

    David De Gea takes a long goal kick

    4'

    Joe Edwards hits a good left footed shot, but it is off target. Outcome: miss right

    4'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    4'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    4'

    Rafael (Manchester United) Free Kick at 4'

    4'

    Ben Nugent commits a foul on Radamel Falcao resulting on a free kick for Manchester United

    4'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    3'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    3'

    Throw-in: Seth Ofori-Twumasi takes it (Attacking)

    3'

    Seth Ofori-Twumasi clears the ball from danger.

    2'

    Throw-in: Rafael takes it (Attacking)

    2'

    Ben Nugent clears the ball from danger.

    1'

    Nathan Smith crosses the ball.

    1'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    1'

    Patrick McNair clears the ball from danger.

    1'

    Throw-in: Nathan Smith takes it (Attacking)

    1'

    Rafael clears the ball from danger.

    1'

    Game on!

    Show all commentary

    Possession

    33%
    67%
    • Yeovil Town
    • Manchester United

    Shots

    10
    20

    Shots on target

    3
    7

    Fouls

    13
    6

    Corners

    0
    0

    Yellow Cards

    1
    1

    Red Cards

    0
    0

    Head to Head

    Yeovil0 - 2Man United

    Yeovil

    • 30Jed Steer
    • 3Nathan Smith
    • 15Seth Ofori-Twumasi
    • 20Ben Nugent
    • 26Stephen Arthurworrey
    • 16Nathan Ralth
    • -> Tom Eaves
    • 11Sam Foley
    • -> James Hayter
    • 7Kevin Dawson
    • -> James Berrett
    • 4Joe Edwards
    • 13Kieffer Moore
    • 23Simon Gillett
    • Subs
    • 28Alex Smith
    • 12Artur Krysiak
    • 10Ajay Leitch-Smith
    • 24Ryan Inniss

    Man United

    • 1David De Gea
    • 12Chris Smalling
    • 33Patrick McNair
    • 42Tyler Blackett
    • 21Ander Herrera
    • 3Luke Shaw
    • -> Jonathan Evans
    • 24Darren Fletcher
    • 2Rafael
    • -> Juan Mata
    • 9Radamel Falcao
    • -> Ángel Di María
    • 10Wayne Rooney
    • 49James Wilson
    • Subs
    • 13Anders Lindegaard
    • 11Adnan Januzaj
    • 28Anderson
    • 35Jessie Lingard

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    Superb Ander Herrera strike helps Manchester United see off Yeovil

    A stunning finish from Ander Herrera helped Manchester United edge past a resolute Yeovil and into the FA Cup fourth round.

    An out-of-sorts United side, which included captain Wayne Rooney, David De Gea and Radamel Falcao, toiled for over an hour against their struggling hosts until a piece of individual brilliance set them on their way to a 2-0 win.

    Herrera marked his FA Cup debut with a thumping 64th-minute volley that left Yeovil goalkeeper Jed Steer clutching at thin air.

    Louis Van Gaal's first experience of this competition was certainly a sobering one and the Dutchman was forced to make a double half-time switch and send on World Cup finalist Angel Di Maria as his side toiled in Somerset.

    And it was the former Real Madrid winger who eventually saw off Gary Johnson's plucky outfit in the dying seconds when he clipped the ball over Steer as United countered at pace.

    There would have been eyebrows raised in the changing room of League One's bottom club when they saw their opponents' team sheet, but star names Falcao and Rooney were proving to be more useful in their own box than Yeovil's in the first half.

    The pair were heading away a string of deliveries from the Glovers, who were forcing corners and keeping De Gea occupied.

    Yeovil did not look like a side bereft of confidence, having won just one of their last six league games, as they hassled and harried Van Gaal's men.

    Captain Joe Edwards was at the heart of their pressing game along with the returning Kevin Dawson, and the midfield duo helped restrict United to long-range efforts from Paddy McNair and Rooney in the opening exchanges.

    Keeper Steer, fresh from conceding three goals in Monday night's home defeat to Leyton Orient, probably expected another long afternoon but it took 32 minutes before his gloves were warmed by the visitors.

    Even then, James Wilson's low drive was routine for the shotstopper, who then watched on as Herrera fired well wide of his left-hand post just before the break.

    Van Gaal's response to a tepid 45 minutes was to withdraw both wing-backs, switch to a back four and send on Juan Mata and Jonny Evans.

    Nine minutes into the second half Yeovil carved out a fantastic chance for second-round hero Kieffer Moore but the targetman failed to get any real purchase after being found by Dawson at the near post.

    And with an hour gone, and only Wilson's wayward 47th-minute header to reflect on since the interval, Di Maria was sent into the fray for his first appearance since November after injury.

    The Argentinian's introduction meant, for the second successive match, Falcao was surprisingly subbed early on.

    But United fans had barely had time to digest the change when they enjoyed a perfect view of Herrera sparking this cup tie into life with 64 minutes on the clock.

    The Spaniard let a through ball bounce just outside the box before spinning and hooking a right-footed rocket past Steer.

    Di Maria was sent on to unlock the stubborn Yeovil rearguard but it was his defensive awareness that denied Yeovil a certain leveller. Sam Foley's corner was met by Edwards inside the box and there was Di Maria to clear off the line.

    Yeovil rang the changes in a bid to secure a lucrative Old Trafford replay but they were hit by a sucker punch as the game ticked into the 90th minute, Di Maria dashing clear of the Town backline after Rooney's pass before clipping in the second.




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