Sunday People

Mourinho salutes perfect’ performanc­e

Louis saved by changes

- By Steve Bates

LOUIS VAN GAAL had to ditch his 3-5-2 philosophy to make sure Manchester United won at Loftus Road.

His stars were toiling 0-0 after a dismal first half against Harry Redknapp’s QPR side.

So the Dutchman went to a flat back four 10 minutes into the second period and half-time substitute Marouane Fellaini (above) grabbed the crucial opener shortly after. Young striker James Wilson scored the second in injury time.

Van Gaal said: “We were playing in the first half like QPR wanted. We did the same thing as them, playing long balls, and they are better at that than us.

“We have to play along the ground but the pitch is not so good here. In the second half we changed the shape and that helped us.

“We created one chance in the first half but in the second half Falcao had three big chances. When you play with four midfielder­s in a diamond we create more chances, but then the balance of the team is weak.

“You saw that second half because although we created chances so did QPR, so we have to decide every week how we play.”

Although Radamel Falcao missed four good chances Van Gaal insists the striker was an effective attacker.

He said: “I have to judge how he has played scoring goals but he did well as an attacking point for the team today.”

Despite defeat, Rangers boss Redknapp is still confident his side can climb away from trouble.

He said: “I was pleased. We worked very hard and at half-time we were right in the game. We lost Richard Dunne with a groin injury but we battled well.

“I am confident we can get out of trouble. I am not worried about my future. The speculatio­n is nonsense. What will be will be.”

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