Van Gaal Credits Defenders

Louis van Gaal is delighted with how well Manchester United’s defenders have adapted to the new system he has introduced on Tour 2014, presented by Aon.

The Reds’ back five – three centre-backs and two wing-backs – shone once again in the 3-1 win over Real Madrid on Saturday, limiting the European champions to only a handful of chances at Michigan Stadium.

Defensive solidity was also a feature of the three previous games on this tour and that has impressed van Gaal, who feels it is the area most affected by his formation changes.

The boss said at his post-match press conference: "It's amazing that they have picked up a new system like that, because it’s not new for Mata, for example – he plays in his position. Neither for Rooney, Welbeck nor the two midfielders.

"The greatest impact with this new system is on the back line. But we only conceded [allowed them to create] one chance in the first half and two in the second."

Michael Keane and Tyler Blackett were two of the defenders who performed admirably in the International Champions Cup match in Ann Arbor, even if Keane conceded the penalty which Gareth Bale converted in the first half.

Asked if the youngsters would be involved in the first team at the start of the season, van Gaal replied: “Not too early, because we have to see if they can fit in our team.

"You saw them play today and they can do the job but not for a lot of matches – they can do it for one match.

Maybe when you give them more matches, their experience shall increase.

"But today the penalty was not so smart. He [Keane] has to learn from these errors. It’s the same for Tyler – he can also play at this level but can he play match after match? That is the question and I cannot answer that at the moment."

Danny Welbeck limped off with a knee problem in the first half at the ‘Big House’, to be replaced by Wilfried Zaha.

"He had minor problems before the match but he said he could play," van Gaal revealed. "During the match he felt it again so we have to wait and see tomorrow what the reaction is, then we might know more."

Javier Hernandez caught the eye in his 30-minute appearance at the end of the game, sealing United’s place in Monday’s final in Miami with a well-taken third goal.

"He came on and was involved in the play at once – that is very good when you are a substitute," van Gaal added. "We needed that. He also scored a wonderful goal, assisted by Shinji Kagawa and Darren Fletcher."