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Louis van Gaal: Ander Herrera not suited to attacking position for Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has explained that Ander Herrera does not suit a position as one of the side's attacking midfielders.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has explained why Ander Herrera is not currently in the first team.

Although Herrera has been introduced to the side as a substitute against both Spurs and Aston Villa, and the side has improved as a result both times, Van Gaal does not appear keen to give him a start for the side.

Van Gaal has said that is because Herrera is seen as a controlling midfielder, so his natural position - in his eyes - would be one of the midfield two, meaning he competes with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Daley Blind, Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini for a place. That is despite Herrera's obvious speed, attacking ability and eye for goal.

Van Gaal prefers to play with a forward in the number 10 position, and that is why so far Adnan Januzaj and Memphis Depay have started ahead of him so far this season. The United manager said:

"I like a second striker in that position [behind Wayne Rooney] more than a third midfielder.

"That is why, for example, Herrera is not playing but is always coming on as a substitute, because he is more of a controlling midfielder there."