PRESTON, England -- Louis van Gaal took the credit for Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Preston by arguing his decision to bring Ashley Young on and change the shape inspired his side's comeback.
United were trailing 1-0 to the League One team when manager Van Gaal removed striker Radamel Falcao and sent on winger Young as he went from a diamond midfield to a regulation 4-4-2 formation.
Young set up Ander Herrera for United's equaliser before Marouane Fellaini kicked United into the lead with a goal that pleased Van Gaal in particular, and Wayne Rooney scored a late penalty.
But Van Gaal said in a news conference: "I changed the shape. That was I think why we made the goals. I think the first goal was also a little lucky, the second goal was a training goal, fantastic I think, and the third goal was a penalty and then the match was done."
Fellaini was moved into a striker's role when Falcao came off and Van Gaal praised the Belgian for his capacity to make a difference with his aerial threat.
"Now I have played him for the first time in this position and he scores more than ever," said the Dutchman. "He is a player that when we cannot beat the pressure with quality, we can always beat the pressure."
Van Gaal hailed his team's powers of recovery after they went behind to Scott Laird's goal, adding: "The players have done everything again and the spirit in the team is unbelievable."
The United manager said he was "reasonably satisfied" with his team's first-half display, even though they barely troubled Preston goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann and was pleased to set up a quarterfinal against Arsenal at Old Trafford, adding: "That is the most important thing, we have a draw at home."
Van Gaal revealed that Robin van Persie, who missed the Preston game with an injury, will be able to return at Swansea on Saturday, saying: "He shall be fit so it is dependable if I select him."