Louis van Gaal is confident Manchester United will continue to improve after their ‘best match of the season’ against Hull.
The 20-times league champions dispatched the Tigers 3-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, maintaining their place in the top four and extending their winning streak to three games.
United were dominant throughout and Van Gaal believes that their recent run of form puts them in good stead in the run up to a hectic festive period.
“It was the best match of our season,” Van Gaal said.
“What pleased me the most was the way we dominated the game from the first minute to the last minute. It was the first time we have done that.
“We created many chances, we did not give the ball away too much unnecessarily and we kept a clean sheet again. We are moving forward.
“When we come forward it has to be quick, and we did that against Hull much more than ever. I was very pleased.”
Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney gave the hosts a comfortable lead at half-time, before out-of-sorts striker Robin van Persie sealed the points with a terrific finish midway through the second period.
Van Persie’s poor run of form has been a cause for concern in recent weeks, but Van Gaal was impressed with his fellow Dutchman’s performance, though he is certain there is more to come.
Van Gaal said: “I am very pleased that Robin scored and that he had a big influence on this game. He scored three goals on the training ground so I had a good feeling for him.
“In the beginning he played at number 10, until I was forced to put him again in the striker’s position because of Angel Di Maria’s injury.
“I think he played better in the striker’s position than he did at number 10, where you have to pass more than he did.
“A striker always needs a goal and I am very happy for him that he scored but I am sure he can play better than he did.”
Di Maria limped off in the early stages though Radamel Falcao did make his comeback from injury late on.
Argentine Di Maria is now likely to miss the Reds’ next League fixture against Stoke and possibly longer, Van Gaal insisting United have to maintain their winning run.
“Winning for a top club like Manchester United is the most important thing, especially when we are in fourth position in the league table,” he added.
“We need to win otherwise others will overcome you. Of course I had hoped we would win against Hull, but we have to win also against Stoke.
“Every game is difficult. That’s why the Premier League is exciting because you never know.”
Main image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
