Manchester United: Louis van Gaal heaps praise on Matteo Darmian on Old Trafford debut

Louis van Gaal has heaped praise on new signing Matteo Darmian and believes he was their best performer from the batch of new players who made their debut against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The former Torino man started in the right-back position and played an important part in nullifying Tottenham's attack, which was threatening to open up Manchester United for the length of the contest. The north London club had the best chance in the first half when Christian Eriksen went through on goal but failed to keep his shot down, as it sailed over the bar.

The Red Devils took the lead after an own goal from Kyle Walker, who charged in to tackle Wayne Rooney as he opened up to take the shot. The ball deflected off his boots and into the goal, past a diving Michel Vorm, giving United an unlikely lead in the first half.

The second period started with Tottenham taking the initiative but failing to carve many chances, as Sergio Romero, brought in to cover for David de Gea, made a few brilliant saves to help United start their campaign on a high.

"It is always difficult because it is the first time they have played at Old Trafford and the fans are very supportive. I told Memphis [Depay] that he doesn't have to play with too much eagerness and passion and that applies to the whole team. I liked the performance of Matteo Darmian," Van Gaal told the club's official website, when asked about his thoughts on his summer signings.

"He played a good match in the Spurs half and when they had the ball, plus he didn't lose the ball much and was very good in his ball position with the opponent. When I have to think of one player, it's him, as he was the best performer.

"Sergio Romero kept a clean sheet and made some wonderful saves but [was not so good] in building up situations. That is understandable because he didn't play with the boys [before] and he has only been with us for a week so it is a process that we have to wait for. We decided, as staff, on Wednesday and with David on Thursday that he could not play. So Sergio has only trained two days with his players - you always train with the group who will play to intensify the preparation," he added.