VIDEO: New signing Herera shines as United thump LA Galaxy 7-0
What you need to know:
Another big plus for Van Gaal was the way his defence performed. Lining up in the 3-5-2 formation he used at the World Cup with Holland, the spotlight was on Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. They all passed the test with flying colours
Debutant defender Reece James scored twice as Manchester United began life under Louis van Gaal with a thumping 7-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Wayne Rooney scored twice, as did Ashley Young, with England team-mate Danny Welbeck bagging United's opener, but all were upstaged by youngster Reece James, who came on as a half-time substitute for £27million signing Luke Shaw, who also made his debut.
United dominated the match from start to finish and they fully deserved the comprehensive win, which came in front of a crowd of 86,432.
United played with a high-tempo, their work-rate was impressive despite the intense California heat, and their finishing was clinical.
Ander Herrera was the driving force behind United's success in the first half, spraying probing passes from deep. He set up United's final two goals and his influential display suggested the enforced loss of Michael Carrick for three months following ankle surgery may not be as keenly felt.
Another big plus for Van Gaal was the way his defence performed. Lining up in the 3-5-2 formation he used at the World Cup with Holland, the spotlight was on Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. They all passed the test with flying colours.
3-5-2 system
Meanwhile Louis Van Gaal insists that he wull stick to the 3-5-2 system.
“We introduced a new system and played just two times on the training pitch eleven v eleven. It is no so much, but the boys are willing to pick up the information.
“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, bit I want to play with two strikers.
“We have four number tens, 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.” Van Gaal said.
Notes.
Moyes lost his first game as United boss in a 1-0 defeat to a Singha All Stars XI in Bangkok this time last year, while Sir Alex Ferguson also went down in his opening match, 2-0 at Oxford in 1986.
