Louis van Gaal has explained the reasoning behind his decision to play Memphis Depay in a central role in Manchester United’s opening game of the season.
The Dutchman played behind striker Wayne Rooney in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ashley Young wide left and Juan Mata on the right.
Depay scored 22 goals, and registered five assists, playing on the left hand side of a forward three for PSV last season.
Despite excellent performances last season, many United fans were expecting Young to make way for Depay, with Ander Herrera playing in midfield in alongside Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin in a 4-3-3 formation.
However, Van Gaal dropped Herrera and played Depay behind Rooney for the 1-0 win over Spurs, and the United manager says it’s partly because of the continued good form of Young.
“We have to wait and see if he (Depay) can fulfil the demands of this position but that’s also because Ashley Young is playing very good on the left side,” Van Gaal said.
“That is the circumstances now but it can change during the season. He can play in this position.”
“I have said that in advance. New players, especially young players, want to show their qualities. The next match, because of that, will be better for him.
“It is a new position for him and he has to adapt to the new position because he is a goal-scoring type.”
H/T The Mirror.
