The onus was on the two wingers to lead the line at Vicarage Road with strikers Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney and James Wilson all absent.
Depay opened the scoring with an impressive volley, before Troy Deeney scored at both ends in a dramatic finale to ensure United took three points.
When asked about the Netherlands international's contribution, Van Gaal told BT Sport: "The first half he was superb, like Jesse Lingard.
"I think also this role is the best role for him; he played it also in the world championship for me when Robin van Persie or Arjen Robben was injured, so I knew that he could do this.
"But also Jesse was fantastic - because of those two we created a lot of chances.
"I was amazed about the spirit in our team because there was a late penalty to make it a draw, then you give the team another stimulus and you can create in five minutes another three possibilities to score.
"Before the goal from Bastian Schweinsteiger [which has been credited as a Deeney own goal], Chris Smalling also had a fantastic kick on the goal and Heurelho Gomes saved it fantastically.
"When you can do that as a team then I am very proud that I am the manager."
Van Gaal was pleased to reach the Premier League summit, even if it is likely to be a temporary stay once the other fixtures have been concluded.
No comments:
Post a Comment