'Confident' Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal welcomes breathing room welcomes breathing room of late goal

Five-star performance: Van Gaal was impressed with his charges
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
James Benge18 August 2015

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feeling more “confident” after a last-minute Marouane Fellaini goal gave his side a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge.

The 93rd minute header, the last action of a pulsating Champions League qualifier, gave United a valuable two goal cushion before their trip to Belgium next Wednesday.

An early own-goal by Michael Carrick looked like it could be potentially critical halfway through the tie but Fellaini’s third gave United the breathing room van Gaal felt they deserved.

The manager told BT Sport: “It makes a difference because 2-1 is a very difficult result. We deserved much more because we created a lot of chances. It is what I am always saying, you have to be effective. We have a lot of chances and only three goals.

“I am happy because of the last goal. We have practiced that before when we need Fellaini, we put him in the penalty area because he has that quality.”

Tom Purslow/Man Utd via Getty Images

Van Gaal was also full of praise for his fellow countryman Memphis Depay, who lit up Old Trafford with two spectacular first half strikes that saved United from a potentially chastening experience.

“I am very happy for Memphis because a player needs that,” the United manager said. “I said it was a matter of time and hopefully he shall continue. He is 21 and he has only played two seasons for PSV, I have confidence in him.”

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