Louis van Gaal was delighted with Manchester United’s display after they registered their first away win of the season with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
A fine strike by Adnan Januzaj in the first half was enough for the Red Devils to take all the three points home but it could have been easier with Memphis Depay wasting a great chance.
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Van Gaal fielded the same starting XI that faced Tottenham last week except for Januzaj who came in for Ashley Young. The Red Devils were defensively compact and didn’t allow Villa to create any clear cut chances.
And the United boss expressed his happiness as he described it as a better performance than last weekend. He also stressed on the point that away wins are crucial for this season if the Red Devils are to be successful.
"He said: “Yes, I am very happy that we have won. We started the competition with a win at home and a win away. The key for this season is to win more away games and I think we are capable of doing that.”"
The 64 year-old also explained his only change in the side. He was a bit critical but was happy with Januzaj’s performance. He insisted that in terms of possession United could have done better as they were were sloppy at times and gave the ball too easily for the opponents to break.
"He continued: “Because he gave signals in training that he is more and more confident, but also better. I like a second striker in that position more than a third midfielder. That is why, for example, Herrera is not playing but is always coming on as a substitute, because he is more of a controlling midfielder there.”“OK, today Januzaj gave us a wonderful goal and I am very happy with him, but we have to show more ball capacity. We had too many unnecessary losses of possession as a team and Adnan Januzaj had unnecessary ball losses. There were others – Memphis Depay, Rooney – who all had too many unnecessary ball losses. That is why we did not create too much and, in a game like that, we could have created much more.”"
On the other hand Depay had seven shots in the match, the most by any player on the field. The Dutch winger was too eager to impress with a goal in the match and Van Gaal suggested that it’s a big step for the youngster so he will take some time to settle in Premier League. The Dutchmen also added on United’s transition from defence to attack.
"“Memphis could have scored, but it is a big step. You cannot imagine the difference between the Dutch competition and the Premier League – it is a big difference! He has to cope with the different rhythm of the game here but I’m very much confident that he shall cope with that.”“I’ve said from the beginning that the defence is an effort of the whole team. The main thing is our part in the ball possession of the opponent because we defended very well. Also in the counter and the transitions, we are doing very well and that is why we scored last week, out of the transition [of possession]. Now I have to say that we scored out of a fantastic pass from Juan Mata.”"
Januzaj who got his first start since February suggested that his future at Manchester United this season amidst the talk of a loan move to Sunderland. The Belgian hinted that he is ready to fight for his place in the team and was also happy with his goal but believes he will do better when he gets his complete match fitness.
"“It was only rumours.I’m happy here and I want to fight for my place.”“It felt good to get the goal because I’ve not had a game for a long time and my fitness is not so good, so I’m happy to score for the team and score the winner,” he added. “I hope to have more games in my legs and hopefully score more goals.”"
United next face Newcastle United at home.
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