Louis van Gaal explains why Ander Herrera has been overlooked from the starting lineup so far this season.

Herrera was arguably one of the best players for Manchester United last season but the midfielder is yet to start a game for the Red Devils during the current campaign.

During the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Friday night, Herrera was surprisingly overlooked in favour of Adnan Januzaj and now van Gaal has gone on to explain the reason behind the Spaniard's omission from the starting lineup.

Van Gaal said: "Because he gave signals in training that he is more and more confident, but also better.

"I like a second striker in that position (behind Rooney) more than a third midfielder. That is why, for example, Herrera is not playing but is always coming on as a substitute, because he is more of a controlling midfielder there."