Manchester United continued to ride their luck in the Premier League on Wednesday night, beating Newcastle with an 89th minute winner from Ashley Young.
The goal is hardly likely to win any goal of the month competitions, with Tim Krul scuffing a clearance directly into the path of the United winger in comical circumstances – yet it could end up proving a decisive goal come May.
The result keeps United in fourth place in the table, two points clear of bitter rivals Liverpool in fifth.
Whilst many would have hoped for a title challenge in Louis van Gaal’s first season when you consider the money spent, a top four finish and success in the FA Cup would be considered a positive season.
Here we have identified five of the best moments that have helped get United to the point where both prospects look a genuine possibility.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal the 5 best moments of Manchester United’s 2014/15 season
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Manchester United 4-0 QPR
This was a game in which Manchester United were expected to win comfortably, but the nature and the timing of this 4-0 thrashing left fans going home believing anything could be possible.
Angel Di Maria impressed on his home debut, scoring the opening goal with a free kick. Wayne Rooney and fellow summer signing Ander Herrera added further strikes before half time, and Juan Mata sealed the win in the second half.
Excitement was rife as Radamel Falcao came off the bench for his debut after his deadline day move, and United fans left Old Trafford excited at the prospect of what van Gaal’s new look side could achieve.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Games against Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are normally tense affairs for United fans, and this game in October was no different. Although United failed to pick up what would have been an impressive three points, the nature of Robin van Persie’s last minute equaliser was certainly satisfying.
Mourinho’s men arrived at Old Trafford on a hot streak of form, and looked likely to claim all three points when Didier Drogba headed home from a corner.
But United more than held their own, and were good value for van Persie’s dramatic late equaliser.
Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United
Arsenal versus Manchester United is a big game in any season, with the rivalry between the two sides one of the fiercest of the Premier League era.
So to win at the Emirates is always satisfying for the men from Old Trafford – particularly in the smash and grab style seen during this fixture in November.
United put one over on their old rivals with a Kieran Gibbs own goal and Wayne Rooney finish proving decisive, whilst once again David De Gea was particularly impressive.
United fans will be hoping for a similar result when the two sides meet in the FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Manchester United 3-0 Liverpool
It remains the most heated rivalry in English football, so for Manchester United to come away with a 3-0 win over Liverpool in any season is something special.
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie settled this game, but it was a man of the match performance from David De Gea which grabbed the headlines.
The win on December 14th set United 10 points clear of their great rivals – but Liverpool have closed the gap to just two in the time since.
Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United
Which brings us to Wednesday night, and the result that maintained that two point lead in the race for fourth.
Again, this was hardly a convincing display from United, but the manner in which they picked up this victory could prove crucial.
Van Gaal’s side have got into the habit of winning despite not playing well, and with ten games to go – this last minute victory in the north east could prove pivotal in deciding who is playing Champions League football next season.
