Sherwood explains what disappointed him about Aston Villa’s latest performance

They will gain approval for van Gaal who, in turn, will be satisfied the man he brought in from the cold – Adnan Januzaj – bagged the deflected goal at Villa Park. We had too many unnecessary losses of possession as a team and Adnan Januzaj had unnecessary ball losses. Memphis Depay almost made it 2-0 after Juan Mata played another brilliant ball through, but the Dutchman’s shot curled just wide of the far post. The improved United midfield makes for a better defensive game, and we less embarrassing moments in the back line for the Red Devils, who lost a lot of points that way last season.

Van Gaal praised Januzaj for scoring a “wonderful” goal, his first since April 2014, but added: ‘All the other aspects of football you have to show also.

Villa opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth last Saturday with substitute forward Rudy Gestede making a ideal debut for the club, heading the game-sealing goal late in the second half.

Stoichkov had lashed out at van Gaal earlier this week, claiming that he is “destroying” Manchester United with his poor managerial skills.

Premier League action continues over the weekend, with the highlight being Sunday’s match between the two sides that have won three of the last four titles – Manchester City at home to champion Chelsea. Villa’s biggest chance of the match came in the first half when there were indications that Matteo Darmian, the right-back for Manchester United had pulled Richards’ jersey in the box and was looking to distract the burly Englishman defender during the corner.

He was replaced by Ander Herrera on the hour and while van Gaal said the substitution had been pre-planned, he was critical of the Belgian’s use of the ball. I like a second striker in that position more than a third midfielder. “I’m happy at United and I’m happy the way the manager works with me, so I don’t have any issues with that”.

When asked on if whether his team are still relegation candidates, Sherwood said, “Yes, but we know it’s going to be hard and we have to realise that”. He’s the special player in this team, I think.

“I think he doesn’t trust him 100 per cent and I wouldn’t like a goalkeeper like that at Manchester United“.