Van Gaal Will Keep His Observing His Players

Louis van Gaal has reiterated his Manchester United players are always capable of forcing their way into the team if they impress in training.

Adnan Januzaj was rewarded for the confidence he has displayed at the Aon Training Complex with a starting spot at Aston Villa, repaying the manager's faith with the winning goal in the first half. Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League qualifier with Club Brugge, van Gaal explained he is constantly monitoring the form of his squad.

"I have said that always," he replied, when asked by MUTV if Januzaj is an example that good work in training will force him to alter his selection. "It is not a message from now, it is a message that we are always observing the training sessions but also the matches too.

"Adnan showed against Barcelona [on tour] that he can score. I want a second striker more than a midfielder in the no.10 position. That is why he got his chance and he scored. What more does a trainer or manager want?"

A third successive clean sheet this term could enable the Reds to take a major step towards qualifying for the group stages with the away goals ruling having a significant effect on any two-legged tie.

"It is always important for my team [to keep clean sheets]," added van Gaal. "I’m always saying to my goalkeepers and defenders to keep a zero. That gives us a lot of confidence. Our defence starts with our strikers so it is a team effort. I’m very happy that now we have a lot of clean sheets."