Louis van Gaal delighted with attacking display

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that the fans would have enjoyed watching the team during their 5-1 victory over FC Midtjylland this evening.

The Red Devils have been criticised for their negative style of play at times this season, but came from behind to reach the last 16 of the Europa League courtesy of what proved to be a comfortable victory over their Danish visitors.

It was the first time that United have scored five goals in a competitive match under Van Gaal, and the Dutchman was delighted with his side's dominant display.

"It was a great performance. The fans will have enjoyed our attacking football," he told BT Sport.

"Midtjylland had only crossed the halfway line once and they scored. Normally you get a decline in confidence, but we continued our game. We missed a penalty, it was unbelievable but we kept going. I must give compliments to my players."

Van Gaal reserved special praise for 18-year-old Marcus Rashford, who was a late addition to the side after Anthony Martial picked up an injury in the warm-up but went on to mark his debut with two crucial goals.

"In the first half he ran too much at the sidelines. I said to him at half time to be in the width of the goal and you shall score. Then he scored two goals - it is fantastic for him," he added.

Ander Herrera and Memphis Depay also got on the scoresheet for United, in addition to a Nikolay Bodurov own goal.