Twitter Reacts to Manchester United's FA Cup Victory at Shrewsbury

Fresh from an unexpected defeat to Danish minnows FC Midtjylland, Manchester United travelled to Shrewsbury on Monday evening with the aim of proceeding to the sixth round of the FA Cup.

The mood among fans before the run-out against the struggling League One side, however, was not a positive one:

"

Commentators making out we've just come back from 5-0 down at the bernabeau. We're playing Shrewsbury FFs

— becca (@thisisthejuan93) February 22, 2016"

Some people made serious threats if the Red Devils were to lose:

Regardless of United's fortunes, it was a huge opportunity for Shrewsbury, who were hoping to increase their visibility on the football radar:

Evidently, some United fans are not familiar with Spinal Tap or the geographical highlights of Shropshire: 

"

We need to abolish #FACupdraw and FA Cup. The idea of #mufc being forced to play a team I never heard of Shrewsbury is undemocratic + wrong

— Sandra Marsh (@Crazysandra101) January 31, 2016"

Apparently, there were some positive early signs for the Premier League visitors:

However, as the first 30 minutes of action passed, the folks at home generally weren't entertained: 

"

Man United really holding their own so far against Shrewsbury

— Onefootball (@Onefootball) February 22, 2016"

In the 38th minute, United finally made use of their superior possession when they took the lead. For some reason, Chris Smalling found himself up front during a set piece and deflected the shot into the net:

"

Mike Smalling gives Man Utd the lead!https://t.co/DcFscxBCSP

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) February 22, 2016"

In first-half injury time, Juan Mata made it 2-0 with a lovely free-kick. Some United players appeared to be in an offside position, though:

"

Celebrating beating Shrewsbury like pic.twitter.com/5AaV5SOZIJ

— Louis Van Fool (@LouisVanFool) February 22, 2016"

United led 2-0 at half-time, but many were disappointed in the fight the home side were putting up:

Just after the hour mark, Jesse Lingard buried the tie with United's third of the evening. At this stage, more people seemed interested in his "dab" celebration than his goal:

"

That counter-attack reminds me of the old Manchester United. Very succinct and a lovely finish from Jesse Lingard.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) February 22, 2016"

Many felt that the TV commentary was overplaying the significance of the result:

"

Commentators making out we've just come back from 5-0 down at the bernabeau. We're playing Shrewsbury FFs

— becca (@thisisthejuan93) February 22, 2016"

Will Keane came off the bench for United in the 71st minute but was forced off again four minutes later with a pulled groin. United had already made three substitutions, so they had to continue with 10 men:

United were afforded a comfortable win and passage to meet West Ham United in the next round, but it seems that Louis van Gaal's reputation was not bolstered among those on Twitter:

[Twitter]