Ander Herrera illustrates Louis van Gaal's training methods ahead of Southampton tie

Manchester United summer signing Ander Herrera has revealed that he loves training under Louis van Gaal with the Dutchman using innovative techniques to keep them competitive.

The former Athletic Bilbao man has been in and out of the squad this season through injury but has had a positive impact since making the transfer to Old Trafford.

The Spaniard illustrated the training regime that the players have to go through before a game and that he enjoys the part when they work on passing and keeping possession. Herrera insists that they train very competitively in order to get the feel of a real game, which helps them perform as a team when they get on the pitch.

"I enjoy the sessions the day before a game because we work on ball possession, shooting and set-plays. It's a good day," Herrera told Manchester Evening News.

"All the mini matches are important because the coaches are always looking at us before each game.

"We have a very competitive squad - we always want to win in matches or training. I think this is the right tactic because you play like you train," he added.

United are currently fourth in the league and a win over Southampton on Monday will propel them into third, leapfrogging the Saints, as they pull five points clear of Arsenal in the race for a top four spot.

The Dutchman praised the Saints for their brilliant start to the season but refused to comment on compatriot Ronald Koeman, with whom he shares a less than cordial relationship from his time in Ajax.

"I don't have to describe my relationship with the trainer of the opponent. That's more private, I think. We play against Southampton and we have to speak about Southampton and not the trainer-coach," Van Gaal said.

"It's always surprising that a club like Southampton is in that position now but that's always a matter of coach, players and staff and when you do that it's very good. I don't think money is the question in this. When Manchester is coming clubs are always asking more money and we have to pay because we are Manchester United.

"Do you think Southampton pay too much for players? I don't think so, because they are Southampton. There is always a relationship between Real Madrid and Manchester United and teams like Aston Villa and Southampton," he added.