<text>  The build-up to Manchester Uniteds FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal has inevitably rekindled memories of their epic encounter in 1999; Roy Keanes sending-off, Peter Schmeichels penalty save and Ryan Giggs mazy, mesmerising winner followed by a shirt-stripping celebration. Uniteds semi-final victory at Villa Park that night came to epitomise Sir Alex Fergusons Treble-winning team. The penchant for high drama. The never-say-die spirit that he instilled in his players. And a well score more goals than you attitude in going toe-to-toe with any opponent, be it Barcelona or Blackburn Rovers. So as United prepare to face the Gunners again for a place at Wembley on Monday night, its perhaps understandable if their supporters are growing disillusioned by the brand of football being offered up by Louis van Gaals team. Ryan Giggs right scored arguably the greatest FA Cup goal in Manchester Uniteds 1999 win over Arsenal . Giggs watches his left-foot strike fly past David Seaman as defender Toy Adams slides in too late . Giggs semi-final winner was followed by a shirt-stripping celebration in an iconic moment at Villa Park . United won the Treble with Ole Gunnar Solskjaers late Champions League strike against Bayern Munich . It doesnt seem to matter what tactics the Dutchman employs, the result seems to be the same. Whether its down to a three-man defence, a midfield diamond, or simply a case of launching high balls up to Marouane Fellaini, United simply havent been very entertaining this season. There is a caution, a lethargy, to Van Gaals side at odds with the traditions of the club. The Manchester United way. Giggs espoused it when he was installed as caretaker manager for the final four games of last season. Its going to be my philosophy, Manchester Uniteds philosophy, said Giggs at the time. I want players to play with passion, speed, tempo and be brave with imagination all the things that are expected of a Manchester United player. Uniteds philosophy is to attack. No wonder the Old Trafford legend seemed a little underwhelmed as Van Gaal turned to him to celebrate a late 1-0 win over Newcastle last week. Current Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has been criticised for his brand of football this season . Van Gaals philosophy this season is different to Uniteds trademark cavalier style of play . Juan Mata right leads the way as Uniteds current crop prepare to face Arsenal in the FA Cup . David de Gea, Marouane Fellaini and Luke Shaw L-R could all start against the Gunners at Old Trafford . Paul Scholes, Giggss former team-mate who joined him on the coaching staff for that brief stint last year, has described Uniteds football as miserable. Uniteds history was built on attacking football, which does not always mean that the team kept clean sheets or did not concede chances, says Scholes. To beat opposing teams you have to attack, and to attack you have to take risks. Too few of the players in the current team are prepared to take those risks. Fergusons teams did not always dazzle on the big stage, of course. The goalless 2005 FA Cup final against Arsenal ranks as one of the worst in recent memory, though largely due to the negative tactics employed by Arsene Wenger before his side won on a penalty shootout. Equally, Uniteds 1979 final against the Gunners is lauded as one of the classics by those who sometimes forget that the first 85 minutes were pretty turgid. Sir Alex Ferguson guided United to 13 Premier League titles during his 1,500 games in charge of the club . Eric Cantona left led United to four Premier League titles during the 1990s . Cristiano Ronaldo right was the epitome of Uniteds pleasing-on-the-eye style during his time at the club . Dave Sexton was in charge of United that day. His sacking two years later in 1981 was attributed to the fact that his team were just too boring even though United had just ended the season with seven straight wins, typically six of them by a one-goal margin. It is a reminder that results are not always everything at Old Trafford as Van Gaal continues to build on an impressive record of just two defeats in 22 games. Sexton paid the price for failing to play the United way; a cavalier style built on width and speed and a commitment to attack and entertain the fans. All those lads you see going to the factory in Trafford Park, they come to watch you on Saturday, Sir Matt Busby told a teenage Bobby Charlton on his arrival at the club. They have boring jobs, so you have to give them something they will enjoy. Dave Sexton centre was sacked as United manager in 1981 after failing to play the United way . United supporters displayed a banner demanding the sacking of Ferguson during the late 1980s . Tommy Docherty embraced Busbys philosophy. Ron Atkinson too, though neither with the greatest success. When home attendances dropped to 33,000 during Fergusons darkest period in late 1989, it was largely down to a dreadful run of results that left United hovering above the relegation zone. One could argue that United are not much worse to watch under Van Gaal than they were under David Moyes, with better results. But fans expect more from the 150million spent last summer and the names on the team sheet. They find it hard to take when Wayne Rooney is dropped into midfield, Fellaini goes up front, and Sam Allardyce of all people gets to label their team Long Ball United. In recent weeks, they have taken to urging their team to attack, attack, attack and booed when the ball is passed back to David de Gea. Van Gaal is understandably proud of the fact that he has won a trophy in his first season at each of his clubs. But as United aim to move a step closer to lifting the FA Cup for a record 12th time, he would do well to remember that style counts every bit as much as silverware at Old Trafford. Angel di Marias form has dropped alarmingly after a bright start at Old Trafford following his summer move . Di Maria centre was substituted at half-time during Uniteds 2-0 win at home to Sunderland last month . Deploying Marouane Fellaini right as a makeshift forward has also received negative feedback this term . 