Manchester United have seen a number of changes in the last 18 months under the reign of Louis van Gaal. They now sit top of the table and travel to Emirates to face Arsenal which might be their toughest test in the league till now.
The two things that surprised fans is the emergence of Chris Smalling and rejuvenation of Ashley Young under Van Gaal.
The England internationals have been one of the key men for the Dutchman. Young has assisted most goals in 2015 for United. On the other hand Smalling has become the leader at the back. The English defender scored his first goal of this season against Wolfsburg on Wednesday.
Smalling reaping rewards from his hardwork
In his press conference prior to the big game against the London side, Van Gaal heaped praise for Smalling. The former Fulham defender has turned fortunes completely since the red card against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium last year. Van Gaal suggested that “the player (Smalling), when he does things, he does it always by himself.”
The United boss further credited the player by saying that he only “helps him with advice and demands in training sessions, showing images to improve him. But he has to be open and he has to perform on the pitch.” He also believes that departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic last year gave Smalling a chance to shine.
Young a very key player for United
Roy Hodgson named the England team for coming games during international break and Ashley Young missed out despite doing well for the Red Devils. Van Gaal labelled the English winger as “very important and team player.”
He also insisted that “he can play in a lot of positions and for a trainer-coach, manager, it is fantastic that he is willing to do that.” The United manager is happy with former Aston Villa player as “he accepts his role in the team.” With Luke Shaw out for a long time, Young will be needed to fill in at right back and left back.