Louis van Gaal takes credit for Manchester United turnaround

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal argued that it was his decision to change the team's shape in the second half and bring on Ashley Young that turned the tide for the Reds during their 3-1 at Preston.

United were down 1-0 and the change saw the team move to a regulation 4-4-2 formation, removing Radamel Falcao and sending on winger Young.

Ander Herrera equalised for United before Marouane Fallaini scored a second, and Wayne Rooney scored a late penalty to make three.

But van Gaal said in a news conference: "I changed the shape. That was I think why we made the goals. I think the first goal was also a little lucky, the second goal was a training goal, fantastic I think, and the third goal was a penalty and then the match was done."

Fellaini was moved into a striker's role when Falcao came off and van Gaal praised the Belgian for his capacity to make a difference with his aerial threat.

"Now I have played him for the first time in this position and he scores more than ever," said the Dutchman. "He is a player that when we cannot beat the pressure with quality, we can always beat the pressure."