Louis van Gaal 'laughing' after tactics pay dividends against Arsenal

Louis van Gaal was delighted that his counter-attacking approach worked wonders in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening.

The Red Devils survived a first-half onslaught at the Emirates Stadium before a Kieran Gibbs own goal and Wayne Rooney on the break put them two up.

On his return from a broken leg, Olivier Giroud replied for the Gunners in stoppage time, but United had already done enough for a victory which sends them fourth in the Premier League table.

However, Van Gaal played down the significance of the result and has urged United to get their heads down.

"It was a fantastic victory. We have a lot of injuries and despite that we won a difficult away match at a very good time," he told Sky Sports News.

"They are a great attacking team and I knew that in advance, and that's why I chose this counter-attacking strategy. I can laugh now but it could have been a different game.

"It's the first away victory and the players are very excited but it's just one victory and we have to confirm it by winning the next two home games. Then we can say we have the spirit and we can look up, not down, in the table."

United host Hull City and Stoke City at Old Trafford in their next two top-flight fixtures.