Manchester United were beaten for just the second time in 16 Premier League games on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at Swansea City.

The visitors took the lead on 28 minutes through Ander Herrera, but Ki Sung-yueng equalised for the home side just two minutes later.

United heaped plenty of pressure on their opponents in the second half, but it was the Swans who scored the decisive goal 17 minutes from time when Jonjo Shelvey's strike deflected off Bafetimbi Gomis and into the net.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides at the Liberty Stadium.

Match statistics

SWANSEA
Shots: 11
On target: 6
Possession: 36%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 6

MAN UNITED
Shots: 18
On target: 3
Possession: 64%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

While the majority of football fans will be incapable of feeling sympathy towards Manchester United, there can be no doubt that Louis van Gaal's side deserved at least a point from the game. The Red Devils did nearly all of the pressing in the second half and looked the more likely to score before Gomis found the net against the run of play.

Swansea's performance

The Swans were the better team during the opening 45 minutes as their slick attacking game caused United plenty of problems. They used the width of the pitch well, while the likes of Shelvey and Ki battled exceptionally hard in midfield to stifle their opponents' more creative players. It was a different story after the break as the away side took the game by the scruff of the neck and pushed hard for a second goal, but this gave Garry Monk's side a chance to show how robust they can be in defence. Ashley Williams led by example as usual, though it was very much a team performance at the back that got them over the line in the end.

Man Utd's performance

While there has been plenty of criticism aimed United's way in recent weeks for their uninspiring displays, this was certainly something of an improvement. They struggled during the first half as Swansea bettered them in most areas of the pitch, but they came to life in the second period and really should have scored more goals. However, it was the lack of a cutting edge up front that cost them dearly in the end. The approach play involving Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Herrera was often a joy to watch; they just failed to provide the quiet Robin van Persie with the kind of service that he needs. There are still a lot of areas that need work, particularly the team's defensive shape, though Van Gaal is likely to be inwardly satisfied by what he saw from his players on a frustrating afternoon in South Wales.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Ashley Williams: Swansea's captain was a rock at the back, especially after the break when United cranked up the pressure. The defender blocked, kicked and headed everything away, making it extremely tough for the visitors to break through. The Welshman also commanded his colleagues in admirable fashion.

Biggest gaffe

Marcos Rojo had a superb chance to give the away side the lead again midway through the second half when he rose to meet a corner from about four yards out. However, the Argentine somehow headed over when it looked easier to score.

Referee performance

Neil Swarbrick had a solid afternoon in the middle, giving the players enough leeway to go on and provide an entertaining end-to-end match. There were one or two soft fouls that he blew up for during the final stages, though these failed to dampen the excitement.

What next?

Swansea: The Swans return to action next Saturday when they make the trip to struggling Burnley in the Premier League.

Man Utd: United continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday with the visit of Sunderland to Old Trafford.