Squawka examine whether Louis van Gaal has alighted on his perfect midfield combination
It was a morale-boosting win for Manchester United last weekend over Hull City and things are beginning to look prettier in Manchester ahead of the festive period.
Both United and Manchester City are flying high in the Premier League, but it's the red side that have more to cheer about as things stand - recording their third straight win for the first time in 2014.
Since lifting the league trophy in 2013, United have failed to rediscover that form with last season a complete right off under David Moyes. It continued into this year as United were still without a win under new boss Louis van Gaal after five games.
Alarm bells were ringing and critics were beginning to doubt the Dutchman after guiding the Netherlands to the World Cup semi-finals. The 63-year-old signed six players this summer and a lot was expected from his star men, which included Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao. The pair have shown glimpses of their class and United will now be hoping they kick on with the Christmas period set to begin.
On Saturday, the Argentine went off injured and this handed a chance to Spaniard Ander Herrera. The 25-year-old signed from Athletic Bilbao for £29m and who impressed during pre-season.
Playing in central midfield, Herrera was asked to come inside from a wider role where he fitted into the diamond formation. His outstanding performance rightly earned him the Man of the Match award, and the Spaniard will be hoping to start against Stoke on Tuesday.
However, you can't play well without your teammates and the Spaniard had 10 confident players around him. With Michael Carrick sitting deep in midfield, Herrera was allowed to dictate the game alongside Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini and the three worked fantastically well - especially in the first half.
Not allowing Hull a chance to keep possession, United dominated from start to finish. Fellaini was all over the pitch while Mata and Herrera interchanged behind the strikers that caused the Tigers problems all game.
Van Gaal noticed that the side needed balance during the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion and that gave Fellaini a new role and he's delivered ever since, showing exactly why he cost £27m from Everton. The side showed this balance again with the trio operating effective in both a defensive sense and an attacking one.
Fellaini used his strength and aerial ability throughout and from goal kicks and set plays; making himself a target so United could gain possession. He had six aerial duels against a Tigers team packed with height and won 50% of those.
Against Chelsea, the Red Devils used the same tactic and it worked - Fellaini controlled the ball from the air comfortably and his ability to find a quick pass helped United and the likes of Herrera to build attacks.
The Spaniard was influential all game with his killer passes and neat flicks opening up Hull's defence on many occasions. Footballers from Spain are regularly brought up playing keep ball and they're taught to pass the ball and move. He's done that at United and it's given the side a new dimension with his vision and tactical awareness helping the side win games.
He was dropped over a month ago, which was surprising and many thought Van Gaal had fallen out with the 25-year-old. That obviously wasn't the case and he showed no signs of rustiness with his 91% pass success.
His movement around the pitch saw him pick up space in many different areas and you can see that with his pass map. Herrera produced two key passes, one which was an assist for Robin van Persie. It was a great strike from the under-pressure forward and it was a good spot from Herrera, who came inside from the right flank.
Carrick, 33, was also key in the win and his experience of sitting alongside the defence allows these players to shine. Herrera, as is visible from the pass map, floated around the pitch but that was made easier for him with Carrick always capable of finding a teammate from his deep lying position. The Spaniard often came short to receive the ball in his own half and this shows that his maturity is growing in adapting to different roles.
Although Juan Mata has struggled to break into the starting 11, he offers that touch of magic that could guide United to three points.
He was the difference against Crystal Palace two weeks ago before failing to enter the frame against Arsenal. However, due to Mata’s great attitude and determination, he takes every opportunity in his stride when he's given it. With Di Maria ruled out of the clash against Stoke, Mata will be given another chance to flourish behind Van Persie and Rooney.
- Source: Eurosports
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