Winning start...

By Chris
July 25 2014

Louis van Gaal'a first game in charge of Manchester United ended in a stunning 7-0 pre-season victory over LA Galaxy, watched by a bumper crowd of 86,432 in California.

It may only have been a friendly - but, after last season's dour campaign, United fans will be full of confidence after van Gaal's new-look United smashed seven goals past Galaxy.

Wayne Rooney, Reece James and Ashley Young each bagged a brace after Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock as United's new Dutch boss delivered a powerful statement of intent.

It is important not to read too much into friendly matches - but the game signified a marked shift away from the Sir Alex Ferguaon era, with a 3-4-1-2 formation, including the use of attack-minded wing backs, indicating a new approach from the Red Devils.

England frontman Welbeck grabbed the first goal of the van Gaal era with a cool finish, before Rooney fired home a penalty on 42 minutes; then bagged another moments later.

Skipper Darren Fletcher and summer signing Ander Herrera were the only players involved for 90 minutes as, with United leading 3-0, van Gaal made nine changes at the break.

The Red Devils continued to dominate after the interv, with youngster Reece delivering a statement of intent of his own with two goals, before a late brace from Young further punished a hapless Galaxy defence yet further.

van Gaal criticised United's decision to tour the USA this summer. Certainly, any suggestions United's pre-season focus has been too much on income generation and commercialisation rather than player preparation carries much merit. He may, however, feel a little better about United's Stateside jaunt after this morale-boosting thumping of of MLS' best known sides.

Full Time - Los Angeles Galaxy 0-7 Manchester United
Attendance - 86,432