Manchester United's game against Sunderland at the weekend was one of great significance. Having seen their unbeaten run cut short in shocking fashion against Swansea, the game against Gus Poyet's men was one that United simply had to win to keep pace in the race for the top four.
The game against the Black Cats was one where the likes of Wayne Rooney and British transfer record signing Angel Di Maria had to deliver.
The £59.7 million Argentina international struggled to make a lasting contribution to the game, though, and was withdrawn at half-time for Adnan Januzaj, as Van Gaal looked for more potency in attack.
The 27-year-old midfielder's performance in the first half was a shadow of the one that he displayed when he first arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid.
Di Maria managed to complete 68% of his passes while creating just two chances against Poyet's side - which was below-par - considering he fared slightly better in the loss to Swansea, where he carved out five opportunities for his team-mates.
The Argentine midfielder was also unable to burst through with his searing pace and was left powerless when he attempted to cut in to the left from the right-hand side - failing both of his take ons against Jordi Gomez and Patrick van Aanholt.
It was no surprise that he was withdrawn at half-time, as Van Gaal brought on Januzaj - one of United's stand-out performers from last season - to provide a much needed attacking boost for the remainder of the game.
Despite having not been selected in United's last game against the Swans, Januzaj showed signs of brilliance down the right during the Sunderland game, as his heat map depicts.
The 20-year-old Belgium international had a pass success rate of 88% and was always looking to create an opening – and created three chances.
The winger looked to make inroads where Di Maria had failed to do so, by getting the better of Sunderland left-back Van Aanholt, with his take ons, which have seen him become United's sixth most effective player this season.
Januzaj successfully beat the Dutchman once from three attempts, as the Red Devils looked to double their lead, following Wayne Rooney's 66th minute opener from the penalty spot.
The Belgian showed that last season's heroics were no fluke, as his influence in the game was one that saw United keep their hopes of a top-four place alive.
Januzaj will be hoping that his involvement from the bench can see him given more game-time.
The Red Devils face an away trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday, and having responded to the defeat to Swansea, Januzaj and his team-mates will want to keep that consistency going, if they are to cement their place in the upper echelons of the Premier League till the end of the season.
Di Maria managed to complete 68% of his passes while creating just two chances against Poyet's side - which was below-par - considering he fared slightly better in the loss to Swansea, where he carved out five opportunities for his team-mates.
The Argentine midfielder was also unable to burst through with his searing pace and was left powerless when he attempted to cut in to the left from the right-hand side - failing both of his take ons against Jordi Gomez and Patrick van Aanholt.
It was no surprise that he was withdrawn at half-time, as Van Gaal brought on Januzaj - one of United's stand-out performers from last season - to provide a much needed attacking boost for the remainder of the game.
Despite having not been selected in United's last game against the Swans, Januzaj showed signs of brilliance down the right during the Sunderland game, as his heat map depicts.
- Source: Eurosport
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