It may have been a struggle at times but Manchester United managed to make it four wins on the trot on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win over Stoke City at Old Trafford. A towering Marouane Fellaini header was cancelled out by Steven N’Zonzi’s powerful strike from the edge of the area before half time. United dominated the possession once again and got their rewards after the break as Juan Mata’s free kick drifted into the far corner without getting a touch despite Marcos Rojo’s best attempts to claim the ball brushed his head on the way through.

Louis Van Gaal had to make do without injured duo Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney, who are both fighting to be fit for the hectic Christmas period. It meant the manager made only two enforced changes from the weekend domination of Hull with Ander Herrera and youngster James Wilson coming in, as Radamel Falcao was once again only fit enough for the bench. United kept the same back four for the first time this season, which was a welcome sight after all the injury problems the squad has suffered.

Here are five key thoughts from the win over Stoke, which consolidated United’s position inside the top four of the Premier League.

1) United saved by De Gea and Young heroics

In a chaotic finale to the game, United were left hanging on in the final five minutes as the Potters piled on the pressure in stoppage time. The Red Devils managed to stand firm and claim a vital fourth win on the bounce to continue the momentum that has been set up in the aftermath of the defeat at neighbours Manchester City.

Both David De Gea and make-shift left-back, Ashley Young, were called upon to preserve the three points as both denied former-Red Mame Biram Diouf from close range. De Gea pulled off another wonder save to deny the Senegalese striker from close range before Young smartly covered the Spaniard on the line in a separate incident to scramble the ball away from the goal-line just a minute later. United’s goalkeeper in particular is proving to be a crucial part of this side; he is saving points on his own with some phenomenal work between the sticks.

2) Three precious points but United not quick enough in possession or in transition

It was by no means a vintage United performance. They were often too slow when building attacks as they allowed Stoke to get back in numbers and sit on the edge of their own box. United did miss the dynamism and creative spark of Di Maria and Rooney at times but were able to monopolise possession once more as the narrow diamond composed of Mata, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Fellaini were able to do just enough to get over the finish line.

Only James Wilson, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young looked like beating their man one on one as United failed to look dangerous in transition. It was promising that United were able to win without playing their best but it the high tempo we have seen in previous games this season was not there.

3) James Wilson impresses but showed his naivety

It was nice to see academy graduate, Wilson, get a start which Van Gaal later confirmed would have come at the weekend if he didn’t fall ill. He played up front alongside Robin Van Persie and looked lively throughout as he tried his best to impress on a rare first team start. Wilson worked extremely hard and should have been fed in by strike partner for a tap-in after a stray Asmir Begovic pass, but the Dutchman instead opted to tee up Herrera who blazed over United’s best chance of the first half. Wilson showed off his tremendous pace and dribbling ability throughout the match as Stoke struggled to cope with the youngster’s energy.

However, when the 19-year-old burst through two challenges on the halfway line and drove at the opposition defence, Wilson showed his naivety. He opted to shoot instead of teeing up Van Persie for a simple, game-clinching goal. It’s simple, if he was going to shoot, he had to score. This mistake may have cost United if Stoke had managed to steal an equaliser but fortunately they didn’t. Despite this mishap, Wilson still managed to outshine Van Persie on the day. There is plenty more to come from this exciting talent.

4) Valencia and Young have a new lease of life

It is safe to say Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are not fan favourites but both have done superb jobs at full-back recently. With both Rafael and Luke Shaw injured, the much scrutinised wingers have been forced to play on either side of the defence, giving United’s backline a makeshift look. Where many expected them to fail, the duo appear to have a new lease of life.

Despite opposition rightfully targeting this area of the pitch as an obvious United weakness, Valencia and Young have both dealt with it expertly. They have been able to prove they have fantastic versatility to Van Gaal, handle opposition pressure and even get forward themselves to cause problems in the final third of the pitch. Both full-backs looked dangerous against Stoke, as they used their pace and dribbling to get in behind the away sides’ defence. It appears Van Gaal has seen something in them both and is willing to give them a chance to resurrect their United careers.

5) It’s great to have momentum going into two crucial fixtures

Four wins on the trot. This is the first time since December 2013 that United have managed that feat and it feels good. The run has seen Van Gaal’s side catapult themselves into the top four after a tricky start and despite terrible injury problems. If and when everyone is fit, it will be interesting to see what the first choice side will be.

It has been refreshing to see United win games where they have not been at their best recently and long may it continue. The next two games see the Red Devils face off against another side in the Champions League places, Southampton, then play a struggling Liverpool side at Old Trafford. To go into those two vital games with some momentum is excellent. Two wins in those fixtures and United will be in a very strong position.