Van Gaal Explains Memphis' Position

Louis van Gaal has revealed why he is playing Memphis Depay in a central role as he attempted to explain his tactical system to MUTV.

In an exclusive interview, the Manchester United manager answered a question on whether the formation used on the opening day against Tottenham Hotspur was 4-3-3, 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1, and indicated he prefers a second striker to operate in the spot currently being occupied by Memphis.

"A match is defined in four main moments," said van Gaal. "We call them ball possession, ball possession of the opponent, transition to ball possession and transition to ball possession of the opponent. That you have to see [analyse] in every system at a main moment and then the systems are always different.

"So when you play in ball possession of the opponent it can be 4-3-2-1 but it can also be 4-4-1-1. It is dependable of how you play against an opponent. I hope the spectators are still aware of what I’ve said but it is like that."

In terms of Memphis' place in the line-up, he stated: "I prefer that position to be more a second striker than a third midfielder. I want to see Memphis in that role, of course.

"It is also, for him, maybe more difficult because he has to make the step to the Premier League, to Manchester United, a new club. Maybe I shall use him also at the left-wing position because he knows that much better."

Full-backs Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw are also integral to the manager's formation.

"In our playing style, they are very important because they have to overlap our wingers who are playing there," added van Gaal.

"But they have to recover their shape in defence again. That is a very demanding position but they did very well against Spurs."