How did LvG get his tactics right against Liverpool?

Louis van Gaal got it very right at Anfield

Louis van Gaal has had his detractors at times, but for the second week running he got his tactics spot-on for Manchester United.

The Red Devils' chief has faced criticism from the stands and even former players have chipped in with Paul Scholes recently slamming the Dutchman's dull playing style which he suggested did not fit the squad at his disposal at Old Trafford.

There were even suggestions that his assistant Ryan Giggs was becoming disillusioned with Van Gaal's tactics as reports claimed he felt their play did not fit the 'United way' which he had grown accustomed to in his 20 years working under legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

But to give credit where it is due, Van Gaal now seems to have found a system which does work and it has helped play a massive part in two huge wins which have set them firmly on course to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish this season.

Seventh-placed Tottenham arrived at Old Trafford eight days ago and were sent packing on the end of a 3-0 drubbing, while Brendan Rodgers' in-form Liverpool were expected to pose a much bigger threat on Sunday.

The Merseysiders had not lost a league game in 2015 and were on the back of a five-match winning run ahead of facing United.

But two goals from Juan Mata ensured the points would head back to Manchester, while Liverpool had to settle for a Daniel Sturridge consolation in the second half after they had already been reduced to ten men when skipper Steven Gerrard was sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after coming off the bench at the start of the second half.

However United were worthy of their lead in the first half when it was 11 versus 11 as Van Gaal sent the same side out on the front-foot from the first whistle, just like he did against Spurs, and they were again rewarded with a vital early goal with Mata scoring after just 14 minutes.

That set United's stall out with some good quick passing play, while they refused to give Liverpool the time they needed in possession to build any momentum.

A big key to this was pressuring the Liverpool players all over the pitch and forcing them deep into their own half, while United also won the battle down the wings where the hosts usually flourish in games.

Mata in particular enjoyed an exceptional performance on the right and didn't give fellow Spaniard Alberto Moreno any real opportunity to play his usual attacking game and that played a large part in United's success.

Indeed Moreno's poor defensive play allowed Mata to get in behind him for both goals and Van Gaal will have been delighted with the way that worked out for his side.

If anything the red card for Gerrard appeared to upset United's performance more than Liverpool's because they seemed to take their foot off the gas in the belief that the job was done.

But credit to the Merseysiders who dug in and battled on to get a goal and made a game of it in the final 20 minutes even though Wayne Rooney will be kicking himself at seeing a late penalty saved by Simon Mignolet when he had the chance to restore the two-goal cushion.

The main thing to take from the game, and the victory against Tottenham, is that United's performance meant they were well worthy of picking up maximum points which is not something that could be said following games earlier in the campaign.