Van Gaal hails United defenders on tour
Dutchman says backline has adopted well to a new formation during an unbeaten run in America, including a 3-1 win over Real Madrid
Manchester United defenders have impressed new coach Louis van Gaal in their unbeaten preseason tour with the Dutchman lauding the backline for adapting well to the new formation he has introduced since arriving at the club last month.
United defeated European champions Real Madrid 3-1 in the International Champions Cup match to advance to tonight's final of the eight-team tournament against Liverpool in Miami.
The greatest impact with this new system is on the backline. But we conceded only one chance in the first half and two in the second
The 20-times English champions have produced encouraging displays in the States, also beating Roma and Inter Milan, as they prepare for the start of the season under the 62-year-old coach.
United have played their tour matches with three centre backs and it will probably be the former Netherlands coach's preferred formation this season.
"It's amazing that they have picked up a new system like that, because it's not new for [Juan] Mata, for example - he plays in his position.
"Neither for [Wayne] Rooney, [Danny] Welbeck nor the two midfielders," Van Gaal said in the media conference after the match.