The fear factor has gone

Or should that be the Fergie factor? Michael Oliver had a good game there is no doubt – but had that been under Sir Alex, things may have gone down a little bit differently.

The aura surrounding Old Trafford has gone – teams are no longer afraid to go there, referees are not afraid to give the away team a decision that could win the game – nor are they afraid to turn United’s pleas down.

Van Gaal needs to get his side back to winning ways and the first step in doing that is to bring the fear factor back.