Manchester United’s 7-0 thrashing of LA Galaxy gave Louis van Gaal the perfect start to his Old Trafford career – and left fans cock-a-hoop.
A brace apiece for Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and youngster Reece James after Danny Welbeck’s pin-point opener saw the Red Devils overwhelm their American opposition.
And with fellow fresh face Ander Herrera also making an astounding impression with three assists, United fans were left on cloud nine or, at least, seven.
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was the first to praise the United players who ‘taught his side a lesson’.
“I have nothing but the greatest respect for the show that Manchester United put on,” he said.
“A bunch of guys out there fighting for jobs and it looked that way. It was a real lesson for a lot of our players.”
Van Gaal’s side switched to a 3-5-2 formation last night – but he insists that his side can adapt to new systems in a terrifying prospect for future opposition.
“The other system they can play is 4-3-3 and they have played it for many years,” said the Dutchman.
“I can change back if the system doesn’t work. With the quality of the players we have, I can play 4-3-3 with three strikers on the bench, but I want to play with two strikers.”
Van Gaal will certainly not be spoilt for choice with an abundance of strikers jostling for the two spots up front.
Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Van Gaal favourite Robin van Persie will face competition from Danny Welbeck and young bucks like James Wilson and even Chilean Angelo Henriquez to score the goals.
And with the likes of Juan Mata and Shinji Kagawa pulling the strings in behind, the former Barcelona coach is not short of options.
He said: “We have four number 10s, so the selection is not balanced in my eyes.
“I have decided to play this system because of the quality of the players. But if we lose, I can change back to another system.”
But unbalanced or otherwise, Red Devils fans joined in praising the new-look side, particularly brilliant Basque Herrera – but accepted he is not the only answer to an area where United suffered significant problems last term.
Ander Herrera is a star in the making. Protect him in the midfield with #Vidal and compliment him with #Mata. #MUFC
— Mark Horrocks (@markh1981) July 24, 2014
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander Herrera. Passing master class from the new signing, played a part in everything. What an incredible talent. #mufc
— Manchester United (@themanutdway) July 24, 2014
For one fan, a year in the doldrums was more than enough.
Son of god. Master of the Universe. Bloody genius. Damn, we have suffered for so long… #AnderHerrera #MUFC
— Flodric (@ChristophFlorus) July 24, 2014
There can be no doubt what Reds supporter Nick Rouke thought was Van Gaal’s best achievement in the first glimpse of the squad.
#MUFC win 7-0! Decent start Louis…decent start. Getting Ashley Young on the score sheet (twice!) means the man is actually God.
— Nick Rouke (@nickrouke) July 24, 2014
As Ed Woodward insisted that the money is there to splash out on big signings, it seems missing out on World Cup golden boot winner James Rodriguez is no problem when you have another James in your ranks.
Forget James Rodriguez.. It’s all about Reece James! #MUFC
— Zac Curwood (@ZaccyC) July 24, 2014
One fan took so much confidence from the seven-goal romp that he shelled out on Van Gaal to sweep all before him on the home front.
Just put £1000 on United to do the domestic treble after last nights performance. It’ll get even better when new players arrive #mufc
— Mack The Knife (@IdMjones) July 24, 2014
And United’s joy would not be complete without a longing look and laugh at eternal rivals Liverpool, who lost 1-0 to Roma in Boston last night, thanks to Daniel Agger’s own goal.
United won 7-0 and the scousers lost 1-0. Happy days! #MUFC #mutour
— Cobbo (@jobden27) July 24, 2014
The next port of call for Van Gaal’s men is a chance to top Brendan Rodgers’ men in a clash with AS Roma on Saturday in Denver.
Main image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
