Manchester United got back to winning ways at Everton on Saturday but, as the team sheets came out, it was noticeable how different this selection was from the one which folded against Arsenal in the first 20 minutes.
Gone were Blind, Young, Carrick and Memphis.
In came Jones, Rojo, Schneiderlin and Herrera. LvG said of the returning defenders:
“They played very well,” he said. “Rojo had not played 90 minutes for me this season, it was his first 90 minutes, and also for Jones.
Indeed, all four acquitted themselves brilliantly, but it was Herrera’s contribution that drew special praise from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
He told BBC Sport:
“These changes were also question marks before the game, I didn’t know if they could play for 90 minutes.
“That is also why I changed Herrera. It was a fantastic performance and I was very happy with him, but I maybe need him on Wednesday.”
Herrera was indeed instrumental in this victory, scoring and assisting a goal and generally moving the ball around with purpose in his favoured number 10 role.
The problem with The Spaniard, since his move to Manchester United last summer, is one of consistency.
He tends to have a sublime game followed by one where he is almost anonymous.
And because the number 10 slot is such an important and high profile one, there is nowhere to hide with a bad performance.
But, at 26, Manchester United fans will be hopeful that Herrera can go on a run because, when he plays well, he is an irresistible little creator who also gives the team great penetration and balance a la David Silva at Manchester City.
Manchester United fans: is Herrera now a first choice player?
CHECK OUT HIS HIGHLIGHTS VS EVERTON
