The Dutchman admits the Spanish midfielder struggled in his wide role but was happy with Memphis Depay's contribution in the second half
Louis van Gaal has revealed that he substituted Juan Mata in Manchester United’s win over Sheffield United because the Spaniard was struggling in his wide role.
United scraped past the League One club following Wayne Rooney’s late penalty, while Van Gaal was once again criticised for his side’s lack of attacking threat Old Trafford.
Mata was brought off in the 60th minute for Depay, who won the penalty for United, and Van Gaal admits the Spaniard was hooked because of his inability to stay out wide.
"We have to play with wingers who make the pitch as big as possible and with Memphis and [Jesse] Lingard I know it's like that. So we improved by restoring the shape,” explained the Dutchman.
"I asked Mata but he was never there. Then [Matteo] Darmian has to be the right winger and he tried to do that but that is not his speciality and that's why I changed.
"I am very happy that because of one of Memphis' actions he causes the penalty."
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