Ryan Shawcross helps Stoke City shock and stunt Manchester United

Louis van Gaal and Manchester United’s summer signings will have learned that wet and windy away days at the Britannia Stadium live up to their reputation, as a supposed challenge for a top two spot faltered once more.

Stoke City certainly profited from the harsh weather conditions and the Red Devils’ soft centre, but were more than worthy of splitting the spoils.

The Potters seemed to settle for their portion of the points, yet could easily have sealed a famous victory on New Year’s Day, if not for poor finishing, as they first stunned then shut out their visitors.

United academy product and Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross gave the game a thrilling start, putting his side ahead within two minutes.

It was a famed Potters set piece that somewhat predictably breached the Red Devils’ rearguard, as Peter Crouch headed on a corner for a criminally unmarked Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross to lash home inside two minutes against his boyhood club.

The sturdy centre half had another sensational game, as did left back Erik Pieters, and the pair kept an isolated Robin van Persie quiet for the majority of the match.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw cannot say the same of their efforts, with man marking and organisation at set pieces surely a vital part of preparation for any visit to the Britannia.

Crouch, previously the scourge of Arsenal this season, and strike partner Mame Biram Diouf, another ex-United man, also played a huge part in Stoke’s stifling performance.

They may have missed opportunities up top, particularly Senegal striker Diouf, who looked dangerous as he turned Jonny Evans inside out before unbelievably firing wide, but often dropped back deeper to fluster United.

Van Gaal, meanwhile, is still searching for a third Premier League away win of the season, as the Red Devils’ troubles on their travels continued.