Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Stoke moved them to within two points off Manchester City and cemented their grip on fourth spot. Marouane Fellaini’s first home goal of the season was cancelled out by Steven N’Zonzi’s fine right-footed strike in the first half. Although the home side should have had a penalty, they pushed forward in the second half and got their reward when Juan Mata’s free kick from the right flank went all the way in. And the home side overcame a nervy final finish to claim their seventh-straight win over Stoke at home in the League.

Here are the major talking points.

1. United’s profligacy in front of goal almost cost them dear

The win against Stoke will give Louis Van Gaal much more than just three points. It will give the Dutchman the belief that his side are capable of so much more if he has all his players fit. Even without the likes of Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria, United created more than enough chances to be at least 2 or 3 up before the break. Although their failure to take their chances didn’t cost them this time around, there is no guarantee that it won’t next time as well.

For all of their possession, the Red Devils need to be far more clinical than they were in that game. Sometimes, all the possession might mean nothing if you aren’t able to create chances and take them as well and this game was a perfect example as the home side dominated the ball for long stretches of the game, but yet were unable to regularly pick the Stoke defence open. While absentees in attack certainly had a part to play, United must endeavour to be more clinical, especially against the likes of Southampton and Liverpool who they play in the next couple of weeks.