How far have Manchester United come since their defeat by Swansea on the opening day?

August 16, 2014 felt like the start of a new era for Manchester United after a false-start under David Moyes

But a 2-1 defeat by Swansea at Old Trafford in Louis van Gaal’s first game in charge made it clear there was still much work to be done.

United are on a good run of just one defeat in 19, and there is no question they are harder to beat now than they were in the summer and last season, but their performances have yet to dazzle.

Swansea are more than capable of piling more fuel for Van Gaal’s critics, and the return of Gylfi Sigurdsson gives them a timely boost.