Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed his decision to substitute Juan Mata at half-time against Everton was tactical.
Van Gaal brought on Jesse Lingard for the second period after Mata had struggled to contain advancing full-back Brendan Galloway in the opening 45 minutes.
And Lingard quelled the threat of England youngster Galloway, helping United to a 3-0 victory which saw them keep pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Asked about the decision to sacrifice Mata at half-time, Van Gaal said: “That was tactical and I was very happy, I have congratulated him (Lingard) with a good performance in the second half.
"He didn’t lose any balls, one pass to Wayne Rooney maybe, but that is the only pass I can remember, and he did his defensive work very well so I am very pleased with his performance."
Manchester United face Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday looking to take charge of Group B after a stuttering start to their European campaign.
