Louis van Gaal plays down Manchester United fans' anger over his 3-5-1 formation
Manchester United manager says that formation changes are based on timing and the opposition
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal played down the frustration expressed by supporters during their side's 2-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League.
Van Gaal heard sounds of revolt from United's fans towards the end of a dismal first half at Loftus Road on Saturday when they voiced their unhappiness with his favoured 3-5-2 formation by chanting: "4-4-2!"
Van Gaal introduced Marouane Fellaini at half-time before adjusting his formation and the moves paid dividends, with Fellaini putting United ahead before fellow substitute James Wilson added a late second.
United finished the day two points behind third-placed Southampton, who later beat Newcastle, and Van Gaal said: "When you win, everyone is happy and more comfortable.
"We changed the shape also. The players have to show it at the right time against the right opponent on the pitch and that is very difficult every week.
"That is something we have to decide every week: how we will play. With the other system against Tottenham [in a 0-0 draw], we created six or seven chances in the first half and didn't score.
"It is always a question of whether you are effective enough. In football, it is not always the better team wins."