A look at five players who have improved most this season under the guidance of Manchester United’s new manager Louis van Gaal, who is certainly making an impact in his first campaign at Old Trafford…
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1) Marouane Fellaini
A laughing stock last season when he joined in a big-money move from Everton, Marouane Fellaini has now really found his feet in this United side, becoming a crucial part of how van Gaal’s side have played in recent games, adopting a strange sort of target man role from midfield and showing touches of class that made him so highly regarded during his time at Goodison Park.
2) Ashley Young
One of the biggest surprises of the season, Ashley Young has gone from being an unwanted attacking midfielder who couldn’t buy a goal or an assist to a superb left-back or wing-back in van Gaal’s new system, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent and reliable performers.
3) Juan Mata
After a quiet start to life at United last season, Juan Mata is now becoming the big-game player we saw at Chelsea, with his two superb goals to win the game against Liverpool at Anfield showing how world class he can be on his day.
4) Wayne Rooney
Despite a long and great career with United, there looked to be some concern that Wayne Rooney’s form was dipping in the last two seasons, but that old spark seems to be back this year after he’s forced his way upfront after some unconvincing games in midfield.
5) Ander Herrera
Only in his first season at United, but Ander Herrera has already undergone a transformation of sorts. The Spaniard couldn’t even get into the team at the start of the season and seemed to lack control over games, but he now looks a key player with a fine eye for goal who could become a legend at Old Trafford after finally working out how to keep his place in van Gaal’s plans.