Manchester United were poor against Aston Villa on Friday night and Tim Sherwood’s side looked more and more threatening in the early stages of the second half.
Louis van Gaal clearly had enough of what he was seeing and promptly introduced Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ander Herrera on the hour mark.
Both players gave United a composure in the middle of the pitch and Herrera’s use of the ball in particular drew praise from fans.
Man United eventually saw out a 1-0 win thanks to the substitutions and supporters were full of praise for Herrera:
@AnderHerrera has changed this game since coming on. Looks comfortable in the 10 role keeping the game moving #mufc
— Stew (@Stew_Townsend) August 14, 2015
U have to love Ander Herrera @terrificmike @utycus @Triple_ol_G The way he controls the mid is just awesome #AstonVillavsManUtd
— Kim kamau (@JohnnieChrome) August 14, 2015
We really need to play @anderherrera from the start from now on
— Matt (@mattnevett) August 14, 2015
I think @AnderHerrera must be a starter in the @ManUtd line-up. Creative and opens up play. #mufc #AVLMUN #PremierLeague.
— Dren Rugova (@DrenRugova) August 14, 2015
Ander Herrera always uses the ball SO WELL. How is he not starting?! ? #MUFC
— marcloboda (@marcloboda) August 14, 2015
Since @AnderHerrera has come on the tempo has been quicker and the passing and touches brilliant #MUFC
— Conner Charlton (@Conner_Charlton) August 14, 2015
It's amazing how the #mufc's dynamics improve when @AnderHerrera is in the field.
— British Juan (@BritishJuan) August 14, 2015
Herrera was arguably United’s best player last season but van Gaal has chosen to leave him out of the starting XI in United’s two games this season.
Hopefully the Spaniard’s performance will convince van Gaal to rethink things. Although Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger are fantastic players, they seem too similar to work effectively.