Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal Can Use FA Cup to Find Feet at Old Trafford

Another lower-league opponent, another win for Manchester United in the FA Cup, as they defeated Preston North End 3-1 in their last match.

While this win comes after a 3-0 win vs. Cambridge, and advances United to the Quarterfinals of the tournament, the team's form has left much to be desired so far.

One common, uninformed argument that often comes up to defend EPL sides is that lower-league sides such as Preston and Cambridge are a lot tougher to beat because "they're trying not to lose."

Claims of this sort brand the minnows of the FA Cup as overly pragmatic and tepid, only parking bodies behind the ball and not having any intentions of really having a go at the other side.

However, with the "Big Boys" in town, and the underdogs ready to play the biggest games of their lives in front of their home fans, they often have no intentions at all of backing down.

Cambridge and Preston (WhoScored.com) had nine and 15 shots respectively in their losses to United, putting surprising pressure on Louis van Gaal's side, and opening up the game in a fashion that should've heavily favored United.

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Yet against Preston, United were without purpose and innovation with the ball, until they went down 1-0 in the second half.

United were completely unable to break Preston down, and if not for the strong wing play of Antonio Valencia (three key passes), and the physical presence of Marouane Fellaini, the end result could've been far different.

Of course United won by two goals, a comfortable victory by the looks of it.

Yet, both Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney scored in controversial fashion. It would be a bit harsh to say United didn't deserve these goals, but they certainly can't expect to get fortunate bounces and favorable penalty calls every week.

Admittedly, United's form in the FA Cup has been roughly the same as their league form. Results-wise, they've generally taken care of business in both, yet in extremely unconvincing fashion.

While it's one thing to struggle against West Ham or Burnley, having issues against Cambridge and Preston is legitimately alarming, especially so with Louis van Gaal's strong XI in the last match.

People have complained about the back three, Rooney playing in the midfield, Ander Herrera sitting on the bench, and Angel Di Maria playing in a forward role. 

Not one of these things were reflected in United's setup vs. Preston, so what's the excuse now?

Perhaps United aren't taking their lower-league opponents seriously, but solely based on form, this would mean they're not taking the EPL seriously either.

Fellaini, Daley Blind and Di Maria have all been putting in positive performances as of late, and Ander Herrera scored once again, so it does not seem a midfield personnel overhaul is necessary.

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United have been criticized for their use of the long ball, and maybe they're not getting enough movement from their forwards to allow them to play incisively. The reintroduction of James Wilson to the side would bring pace, movement and pressure on the opposing back line if nothing else.

Ultimately, whatever the reason for United's woes in the FA Cup, Van Gaal needs to solve them quickly, as a home tie vs. Arsenal awaits in the next round.

With positive results and performances, the FA Cup can be used to improve the team morale and form in the league. A trophy is often a huge psychological boost for a new manager, and new players.

While they're getting results at the moment, United's cup form has been nothing short of disappointing, and these mediocre performances have been replicated in the league. It is a blow to a team's confidence when it has to claw their way back to beat a team from League One.

Low-level competition, a chance to raise team confidence, and the alluring possibility of a trophy means that the FA Cup should be a dream for Van Gaal.

Hopefully that dream comes to fruition.