Van Gaal: I subbed Memphis to ‘improve last pass’

Mark Holmes
Memphis Depay : In action for Manchester United against Liverpool

Memphis Depay : In action for Manchester United against Liverpool

Louis van Gaal substituted Memphis Depay at half-time to “improve that last pass” after Manchester United had struggled to break down Liverpool.

Van Gaal felt that United were better in the first half than the second in their 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, but he replaced Memphis with Ashley Young at the interval in a bid to turn dominance of the ball into clear-cut chances.

“I think we played better in the first half,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports.

“We had far more control, but we didn’t create too much – I think two chances and a lot of possibilities in the first phase, but the last pass was not so good.

“That’s why I changed Memphis, to improve that last pass, and also Mata.

“The second half has been characterised because of the goal. That is a consequence of our meetings and our tactical sessions with set plays.

“That has paid off. I’m very happy with this goal because that is what we have practised in many training sessions, and now it’s coming out.

“The first goal is, of course, the goal that decides the match because after that they have to come, and then we get more space.

“Because of that we could score the second goal – very good running in behind from Herrera, a fantastic pass from Michael Carrick. I was very proud, also of the way he hit the penalty.”