Van Gaal off to flying start

Date published: 24 July 2014


LOUIS van Gaal hailed his “fantastic” players as he began his reign as Manchester United manager with a 7–0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and debutant Reece James all scored twice, and Danny Welbeck also found the net as United crushed the Galaxy in the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

Ander Herrera, also turning out for United for the first time, showed why the club paid £28million for his services.

The Spaniard put on a dynamic and destructive display in Los Angeles, breaking up play and spraying killer passes across the park.

Van Gaal, who sent United out in the 3–5–2 system he used with Holland at the World Cup, rejected an offer to play down the importance of the win, insisting his new squad should take great confidence from dishing out such a hiding.

“The result always matters. With such a result you get confidence,” the new United boss said.

“It is fantastic how they have performed today.

“When you see us train, you can expect something but not 7–0. It was a surprise, but they were beautiful goals and beautiful attacks.”

Welbeck got United off to the perfect start with a 25–yard finish and Wayne Rooney made it 3–0 after a penalty and an easy tap–in following a glaring error by Tommy Meyer.

James, who was one of nine half–time substitutes, tucked away two tidy finishes from inside the box and Young then rounded off the rout with two late goals.
To read the full version of this story see the Chronicle’s E-chron digital edition or buy the newspaper.