WAYNE ROONEY ENDED his goal drought in controversial circumstances as Manchester United came from behind to beat Preston North End 3-1 at Deepdale and set up an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.
The England striker had not netted in nine games ahead of Monday’s fifth-round tie, but completed the scoring with a late penalty after being moved back into an attacking role by Louis van Gaal.
Scott Laird’s second goal of the season just after half-time had put Preston boss Simon Grayson on course to spring another FA Cup shock against United, having masterminded Leeds United’s victory at Old Trafford in 2010.
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Van Gaal’s side avoided an upset, though, as Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini marked their recalls to the starting line-up with goals and Rooney struck from the spot after he had appeared to dive over the challenge of Preston goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann.
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United will now face Arsenal in a mouth-watering last-eight tie at Old Trafford next month as they attempt to win the FA Cup for the first time in 11 years and give Van Gaal a trophy in his first season at the club.
Preston gave a good account of themselves, but were unable to pull off a stunning victory over their Lancashire rivals and must now turn their attentions back to their League One promotion push.
