Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian has said that he believes his side can be happy with their start to the New Year, having won both of their matches in 2016 so far.

Louis van Gaal's men ended an eight-match winless streak with victory over Swansea City in the Premier League last weekend before booking their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 triumph over Sheffield United on Saturday.

United were heavily criticised for their performance against the League One Blades, but Darmian stressed that it is hard to create anything when teams pack everyone behind the ball.

"It is difficult for us because Sheffield United, like a lot of teams when they come here, have all their team behind the ball and behind the 60m line it is not easy to find space," he is quoted as saying by PA.

"Sometimes we tried to pass the ball in behind to create the space. This sort of game can always happen with a team from League One but we fight and in the end we got the penalty, we scored it, we won and we are happy with the result.

"Now we have to continue in the way we have started the New Year. We have beaten Swansea and won today and now we must continue in this way. Wins always help to increase our confidence. Now we have two days to prepare for the game with Newcastle. We have to recover and then focus on that game."

Victory against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Tuesday would take the Red Devils level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur for 24 hours at least.