Ander Herrera double helps Manchester United into third and earns kiss from boss Louis van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was so pleased with Ander Herrera following the his side’s win against Aston Villa on Saturday that he gave the midfielder a kiss!, Mail Online reports.

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The Spanish playmaker scored twice in United’s 3-1 victory against Villa to move them above neighbours Manchester City into third and keep the pressure on Arsenal in second and remain eight points off league leaders Chelsea, who they face at Stamford Bridge in two weeks.

According to Mail Online, the Dutch manager has been asking the former Athletic Bilbao man to show more composure when in front of goal and his request was answered emphatically at Old Trafford when Herrera opened the scoring in the 43rd minute.

The manner of the goal seemed to invoke the sort of reaction from the manager that goes against his stern demeanour:

“He has a very good kicking technique and he should be more composed.” Van Gaal said to MUTV (via Mail Online).

“I said that to him again in yesterday’s training session, and then I kissed him at half-time because he had controlled the ball for the first time in his life and then he shot.” he added.

The win sets the Red Devils up nicely for the Manchester derby next weekend as they look to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the Etihad earlier in the season and end a run of four straight losses against their city rivals.