Louis van Gaal: Tactical reasons behind Ander Herrera’s demotion to Manchester

The Belgian star was recalled to the starting line-up by Louis van Gaal and struck the only goal of a laboured 1-0 win that maintains the Reds’ 100% start to the new Premier League season. We had a lot of unnecessary ball losses…

Villa gave home debuts to no fewer than six players, while new signing Adama Traore watched from the stands after completing his move from Barcelona, but despite strong starts to each half, last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists struggled to create clear chances.

Vazquez was coming through the youth ranks at Barcelona when Louis van Gaal was in charge and he was highlighted as one of the Belgian side’s biggest threats by the Manchester United coach on Monday.

“So it is very fantastic that after two matches you are doubting your own opinion so I can not understand that”. “But after we scored the goal, we were running out of the game“.

Van Gaal defended himself against criticisms of his decision to omit Januzaj, who did not even feature in the matchday 18 for United’s opening-day win over Tottenham, and told the youngster to perform to a high standard often enough to stay in the side. Minutes later, from an identical position, Januzaj collected a clever Juan Mata pass before turning Micah Richards and squeezing the ball into the bottom corner of Brad Guzan’s net.

Nevertheless, the former Anderlecht man repaid his manager’s faith in him and could now be in contention to play in their crucial first leg Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge at Old Trafford tomorrow night.

Rooney spent much of last season in midfield, but Van Gaal has installed the 29-year-old as his first-choice centre-forward after the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.

Van Gaal refused to be drawn on David de Gea’s future after the Spanish goalkeeper, strongly linked with Real Madrid, was again left out in favour of Sergio Romero. “I’m happy to play and give everything for the manager and the club. When they score out of that chance, it shall be very hard”.

“Our aim is to improve our squad and when it is possible we shall do it”, he said.

“I hope to have more games and hopefully score more goals”.