Manager demands better despite win

Substitute Marouane Fellaini scored in second-half stoppage time as Manchester United beat Valencia 2-1 in manager Louis van Gaal’s first home game in charge of the English Premier League club.

The Dutchman, who signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes at Old Trafford, had enjoyed a strong pre-season, with United winning all five matches on their tour of the United States.

Despite the late victory, van Gaal was critical of his team ahead of the start of the season.

‘‘I think it was our worst match today. There was a lot of wrong choices, wrong passes, and we didn’t press so good.’’

However, he was quick to praise the home crowd after walking out at Old Trafford for the first time.

‘‘Fantastic. [The fans] are shouting and screaming your name,’’ said the 62-year-old.

Wayne Rooney blew a chance to give the hosts a first-half lead when his penalty was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves in the 32nd minute. The United captain had seconds earlier been felled in the penalty area by defender Antonio Barragan.

United broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Darren Fletcher slotted home from the edge of the area.

Ashley Young’s 49th-minute corner eventually fell into his path, and the Scottish international netted, albeit with the aid of a deflection.

Valencia almost equalised in the 65th minute, when Rodrigo’s goalbound header was flicked off the line by Javier Hernandez.

The visitors were undeterred, and continued to press forward in search of a goal. They were deservedly rewarded in the 71st when Rodrigo blazed a first-time volley into the roof of the net following a free kick.

Moments later, substitute Pablo Piatti poked a shot wide from close range. After being picked out by Jose Gaya on the left wing, he slid his attempt past David De Gea’s right-hand post.

The La Liga side were left to rue that miss when Fellaini struck late on.

United’s season opener is against Swansea City on Sunday.