FIVE things we learned: Swansea City vs Manchester United

Five things we learned from the Premier League this weekend: Swansea City vs Manchester United

The Red Devils were defeated at the Liberty Stadium. Manchester United blew a 1-0 lead away at Swansea City to lose 2-1 and heap more pressure on their manager Louis van Gaal. SillySeason takes a look at five things we learned from the match.

1. United NEED a new goalkeeper

Louis van Gaal has two days to secure himself a top class goalkeeper, assuming that David De Gea is on his way out of Old Trafford to go to Real Madrid.

The Spaniard hasn’t featured in any of United’s games so far this season, he hasn’t even made the bench.

Both Victor Valdes’ and Anders Lindegaard’s careers in Manchester look all but over, which leaves free signing Sergio Romero as the number one and ex-Preston North End loanee Sam Johnstone as the second choice.

Hardly convincing for United’s standards, as was Romero’s performance yesterday at Swansea. His distribution was poor and he was beaten far too easily by Bafetimbi Gomis for the hosts’ winning goal.

Like Gary Neville said on Super Sunday, United need to secure the future of De Gea or act swiftly in the remaining days of the transfer market.

2. Bafetimbi Gomis is a force to be reckoned with

‘The Panther’ continued his excellent form by slotting the winner which provided the Swans with three wins in as many games against Manchester United.

The French international centre-forward has struck four times in as many Premier League games and looks a nightmare for any defence.

Memories of Wilfried Bony seem distant to Garry Monk and his side.

3. Luke Shaw looks back to his best

One positive on a bad afternoon for Louis van Gaal was the outstanding performance of left-back Luke Shaw.

He looks back to full fitness and looks back to his best, replicating the form he showed at Southampton that caught the eye of United in the first place.

Shaw looked solid in defence, comfortable on the ball and fantastic going forward; providing the assist for Juan Mata’s goal.

Such form has seen him be recalled for England in Roy Hodgson’s recent squad announcement.

4. Van Gaal is desperate for a striker

The goalkeeper issue isn’t the only thing that needs resolving during the rest of this transfer window.

United boss Louis van Gaal is desperate for a high quality striker, after the club sold Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce and Javier Hernandez looks to be on his way to Bayer Leverkusen.

This would leave only Wayne Rooney and James Wilson as recognised centre-forwards, which isn’t enough strength in depth compared to what United have had over the last 20 years or so.

Despite scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League qualifier at home to Club Brugge, the Red Devils’ captain Rooney has failed to score in four Premier League games.

The club look set to sign a striker in the shape of 19-year old Frenchman Anthony Martial of AS Monaco.

However, it remains to be seen if he is the answer to their problems. United are willing to pay £36 million for the youngster, but refused to pay £22 million for the experienced and trophy-laden Pedro who moved to Chelsea from Barcelona.

5. Garry Monk is an inspiration

Throughout to whole of the last campaign and at the beginning of this one, Swansea boss Garry Monk has shown what a top young manager he is.

He has shown he is tactically clever, as well as having a bit of stern toughness and a take-no-rubbish attitude.

Monk lives and breathes Swansea City, after making over well over 200 appearances for the club as a player. This means he wants the best for the club now he is at the helm and he is certainly getting the results to do just that.

At 36-years of age and given the lack of experience he originally had, his win percentage of 41.54% looks even more impressive.

Monk is a true inspiration to young British coaches aspiring to be managers.