2. Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United
For some unknown reason, Van Gaal decided this would be a good match to experiment with a high-pressing game.
Against Arsenal.
On a pitch as big as the one at the Emirates Stadium.
It was truly incredible, not least because the Dutchman left Morgan Schneiderlin – one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders – on the bench in favour of the aging Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger. To say the duo were overrun is an understatement.
Arsenal tore United to shreds in the first 20 minutes, scored three goals and then cruised to victory in the second half. Van Gaal did make a tactical switch at half-time, but the game was long gone by then.
Next: United 1-1 Liverpool