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

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."