Deepfail for Falcao - but United march on

Manchester United booked their place in the quarter-finals of the world' greatest cup competition - but many headlines focused, sadly, on a bitterly disappointing evening for Falcao.

As one of the Reds desperate for Falcao's move to work out, a lack of service, or a system not favourable to the Colombian's style, are straws to be clutched at to excuse a depressingly flat display at Deepdale.

However, in truth, this was a bitterly poor performance from the frontman, who looked disinterested at times, before staring in disbelief at the sidelines when Louis van Gaal dragged him off the field after 60 minutes.

Poor United trailed by a single goal when Falcao was substituted for Ashley Young, with Scott Laird breaking the deadlock two minutes after the interval thanks to a deflected shot.

Young's introduction offered United added impetus and, as has been the case so often this season, it wasn't until the Red Devils trailed that they started to play some impressive football.

Ander Herrera steered home the equaliser on 65 minutes as Wayne Rooney cleverly flouted the offside rule, before a close-range finish from Marouane Fellaini and a Wayne Rooney penalty sealed victory against the League One side.

This was a massive win for United in a competition which must be a top priority for Van Gaal. Holders Arsenal now await in an Old Trafford clash almost certain to be picked for live television coverage.

Falcao's long-term future at the club, however, looks far less certain.

Full Time - Preston North End 1-3 Manchester United
Attendance - 21,348