Louis van Gaal was elated with Manchester United’s ‘dominating’ performance in their 3-1 Premier League triumph over Leicester City.
The Reds, who set up in an experimental 4-1-3-2 formation, always looked in control against a Leicester outfit that won the reverse fixture 5-3 back in September.
Goals from Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao put United two ahead before Wes Morgan turned into his own net just before the interval, though Marcin Wasilewski pulled one back for the visitors late on.
“I’m always happy when we win and when we win with three goals,” said a jubilant Van Gaal, who was also quick to commend his in-form forwards.
“Two goals’ difference so I’m very pleased. We lost the away match and we have taken revenge of that. We have dominated the game, especially in the first half.
“I’m more happy that Falcao scored because I think Robin has scored enough goals already.
“Falcao needs that goal more than Robin. But, after all, it’s fantastic they scored – beautiful goals I think with very quick transition for the goal by Falcao, with Robin also having a big part in it, so I’m very happy.”
Van Persie was undoubtedly offside as he latched onto Daley Blind’s lobbed through ball before dispatching a terrific first-time finish into the bottom corner to put the hosts ahead on 27 minutes at Old Trafford.
Falcao then doubled the advantage five minutes later when he tapped in from close-range before Leicester skipper Morgan nodded into his own net on the stroke of half time.
Wasilewski did head in a late consolation for Nigel Pearson’s side but United were never threatened as they consolidated their third-place standing.
However, Van Gaal did concede that his side slowed the tempo down too much in the second half in an attempt to kill the game.
“In the second half, I wanted to kill the game but I have to admit my players did kill the game too much,” the Dutchman added.
“They played backwards and I think you have to wait for the moment you can play forwards and then play it forwards.
“Nevertheless, we could have scored two goals more and they scored out of nothing.
“Sometimes but not in every attack. That is also not possible, though, because you have seen our opponent has defended with two rows of four.
“It’s very difficult to continue with high-speed attacks so you have to be patient. Today, we were patient enough in the first half and I think we scored three fantastic goals. I’m happy as we have a great result.”
United will expect another similar result on Tuesday when they welcome League Two Cambridge United to Old Trafford in an FA Cup fourth-round replay.
Main image courtesy of BBC1 via YouTube, with thanks.
