Tactical tweak brings goals back to Old Trafford

Three goals at Old Trafford - including two in the first half - is nothing short of sensational given how Manchester United have been playing so far this season. Passes were quick and there were bodies getting forward with pace in attack.

So, what’s changed? The obvious tweak was that Juan Mata had returned to the team in his natural number ten position, where many feel is the only place to get the best out of him. United had two quick players on the wings in Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, which made a world of difference.

Mata had more time and freedom on the ball in the centre of the park due to the space that pace out wide creates. Stoke’s defensive line dropped deeper as the dynamism of the wingers, particularly Martial, had them on the back foot.

While Mata didn’t score tonight, and he should have, his overall display was much more assured than the performances in the ‘false winger’ position so far this season.

The effect of speed on the wings should not be understated. Van Gaal could rely on Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery to run full backs ragged at Bayern Munich but due to a variety of circumstances there has not been a pair to bring consistency out wide for him at United.

This season has often been a case of one step forwards and two steps back so fans should not get ahead of themselves, especially with a resurgent Chelsea up next. However, Van Gaal and Mata will be hoping for more of the same.

The diminutive Spaniard brings creativity to United’s passing in the final third and after tonight’s performance it is time he got a run of games where he belongs. It has too often been the case that he gets one chance at the fulcrum of the team only to be banished back to the right wing in his next game.