Januzaj rewards United faith with victor at Villa

Fourth in the Premier League last season, United have opened the new campaign with 1-0 wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, and Juan Mata believes Friday’s victory at Villa Park showed the team’s readiness.

Van Gaal said it was unrealistic to have his side perform to the best of it’s abilities so early in the season, with some players having just two weeks of preseason.

“But I think you are right, because we had too many unnecessary ball losses”.

“In the second half, especially after the substitution, we controlled the game and maybe we should have scored more goals”.

De Gea has been persistently linked with a move to Real since last season, with Van Gaal questioning the Spaniard’s focus of late. The front three of Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney and Mata have failed to click as an attacking triumvirate so far this season.

The way in which Januzaj drew and turned Micah Richards before driving his shot through Ciaran Clark’s legs should ensure he will not be enjoying the seafront at Roker or the views from the Wearmouth Bridge any time soon.

Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United ].

In truth though Villa never looked getting the equaliser and Memphis Depay had a great chance to stretch United’s lead, curling his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.

“I think that we have to pay attention to it and develop, but it cannot cost as many points as previous year”.

He said: “You have to wait until we have closed the transfer period”.

Van Gaal also responded to comments from Hristo Stoichkov, who played under the Dutchman at Barcelona, after the former Bulgaria worldwide said the United boss “destroys” clubs and urged Barcelona’s Pedro not to move to Old Trafford.

And the manager insisted his new-look squad needs to settle before they can be judged fully.

“I have always confidence in my players”. I can say more. “We played better than last week…so I’m very happy”.

“They try to take instruction on and they try to keep at it the training field”.

“We only gave one chance away this evening and that was very good“, Van Gaal said.