United's FA Cup ouster and why they have to bounce back.

Manchester United, sadly, were knocked out of the FA Cup by in form Arsenal on Monday night in a thrilling game that had everything neutrals want to see. There were goals, drama, red cards, dives, controversial incidents, world class saves, you name it. 

But it was the gunners who go home with the victory and a place in the semi final of the FA Cup and will face the winner of the replay between Bradford and Reading at Wembley. For United, it's going to be another trophy less campaign for the first time in 26 years. All Manchester United have to play for right now in order to salvage their season is to secure a place in the top 4 so that they can make a return to the Champions League.

Easy, right? Unfortunately for United supporters, it isn't. Man United's next 5 games are pivotal if they are to remain in contention for the champions league places. United play Spurs in their next game at Old Trafford. Spurs are just 3 points behind United and are also pushing for a top 4 place. United then travel to Anfield to play Liverpool who on current form are  strong favourites to win that game. United then host struggling Aston Villa who have been rejuvenated by new manager Tim Sherwood. You would fancy United to win this one but they then host Manchester City and travel to Goodison park to play Everton in what is a tricky fixture. 

If Man United manager, Louis Van Gaal can navigate these fixtures and still remain in the top 4 it would be a tremendous achievement. Besides, you would expect LVG's team to kick on from there and solidify it's position in the top 4 or even top 3 because Arsenal are only a point ahead of Man Utd and you would fancy the gunners to drop a few more points. 

But this United team based on current form is unlikely to go through all those games without dropping a fair number of points especially against the likes of Liverpool and Man City. The smart money would be on them rather than on this current United team which seems low on confidence, cautious and lacking in identity and style.

Of course, United still have good attacking players and an excellent goalkeeper but the defence has been suspect, the midfield is lethargic and its build up play towards goal has been slow. They do dig deep to get results and keep possession especially against lesser teams but you would expect that they would be found out by their rivals who are a class above teams in the bottom half of the league.

LVG has a lot on his hands. He will be given time by the United hierarchy to try and sort things out. But if his tactics this season are anything to go by, then it's hard to see how he can improve the squad. Something needs to be done.

United have to play the United way and win games convincingly. The fans may be lenient in their criticism of LVG compared to that that was given to David Moyes but there is no guarantee their patience won't run out if the brand of football United are currently 'entertaining' their fans with doesn't come to a grinding halt. Moreover, a place in the top 4 could suddenly be out of their reach if the rich vein of form of Liverpool and Spurs continue.