Swansea vs. Manchester United: Score and Reaction from 2015 Premier League Match

Manchester United's recent hoodoo against Swansea City flared up yet again as they lost 2-1 to the Swans in the Premier League on Sunday.  

Juan Mata gave his side the lead, but goals by Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis in quick succession gave Swansea a deserved win.

The Red Devils again failed to convince going forward as Wayne Rooney's Premier League struggles continued unabated, while as Bleacher Report UK noted, the defensive performance provided a sharp contrast to United's earlier form:

Jefferson Montero missed out for the home side after picking up a thigh injury Saturday, so Wayne Routledge was the man to come in. Meanwhile, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ander Herrera all featured in midfield for United.

The visitors began the stronger side as they enjoyed the majority of the possession but created little of note save for Rooney's foray into the penalty area. The Englishman's hesitation to pull the trigger, however, allowed Ashley Williams to recover the ball for his side.

Swansea grew into the game and enjoyed the best chances of the half.

First, Gylfi Sigurdsson flashed a shot millimetres wide after the ball broke free following a tackle on Gomis from Schweinsteiger with Sergio Romero beaten. Then, Gomis struck the post after jinking past Daley Blind.

The Red Devils weathered the storm from the resurgent hosts and the sides went into half-time goalless.

As the Telegraph's Liam noted, United impressed defensively and struggled going forward, as they have in each league game this season:

The Red Devils took the lead shortly after the restart, though. The excellent Luke Shaw made a marauding run down the left wing, and his cross was lashed home by Mata, the Spaniard's 50th goal in English football.

Their lead lasted little more than 10 minutes, as Ayew rose to meet Sigurdsson's excellent delivery and headed past Romero.

United were rattled, and Swansea took full advantage by seizing the lead, with Ayew turning provider for Gomis, who kept his head and finished coolly in a one-on-one. 

The Telegraph's Paul Hayward lovingly described the Frenchman's exquisite assist:

Squawka highlighted Gomis and Ayew's immense contribution to Swansea this season:

The Red Devils threw on Marouane Fellaini as they sought an equaliser but struggled to create any clear-cut chances.

In a repeat of his earlier chance, Rooney found himself free in the area. But despite his midweek hat-trick, he again showed a lack of confidence and hesitated to pull the trigger, allowing Williams to clear to secure Swansea's victory.

Liam reiterated his concerns over United's forward options:

The Red Devils will need to improve dramatically for their next match at home to Liverpool, albeit the Reds will as well following their 3-0 thrashing against West Ham United.

The Swans continued their excellent start to the season and took United's fourth spot.

An away tie against Watford is up next for Garry Monk's side. On current form, the Hornets will be lucky to come away with a point as Swansea continue their assault on the European places.

Post-Match Reaction

United boss Louis van Gaal admitted his side should have made more of their chances.

Per Gemma Thompson of the Red Devils' official website, van Gaal told Sky Sports and MUTV: "We lost the game in five minutes, and that cannot happen. The opponents changed their shape because we were 1-0 ahead and were dominating. We could have scored more—maybe we should have."

However, the Dutchman insisted the result would not affect his transfer plans: "No, it doesn't have any effect. When you are scouting players, you already know in advance more than a month or two months which ones you can buy or not. It's not that we are in a panic at the last moment."

Meanwhile, Monk praised his side for coming out on top in a tough game.

Per Dafydd Pritchard of BBC Sport, he said: "It was an amazing atmosphere. The first half, Manchester United played very well and made it very difficult for us. We showed our character. I don't think we were at our best, but we were organised and kept our shape."