Everton vs Manchester United: Louis van Gaal himself as 'a happy coach' after convincing win

The Dutchman's team ran out 3-0 winners at Goodison Park

Louis van Gaal speaks with the fourth official during the match against Everton (Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was delighted by his side's performance in a convincing 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.

Goals from Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney, returning to his former club, sealed the points for the visitors.

Van Gaal was especially pleased with the victory, coming as it did after a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal and a dismal team performance.

"I'm a very happy coach and also very proud of the players because it was a fantastic performance. After the defest against Arsenal, we needed it, so it's very important that we won today," he said in a post-match interview with BBC Sport.

"Our strategy was to drop in a little bit and create space for ourselves. It worked and it was a good strategy.

The Dutch coach also praised Rooney, who scored at his old club's ground for the first time in eight years.

"I'm very happy for Wayne but for me it is more important that my team scores three goals," he said.

"That Rooney scored his goal is also important as he hadn't scored here for many years. I'm very happy for him and I hope it's the start of a lot of goals."

The strike, which came mid-way through the second half, was Rooney's 187th Premier League goal, putting him joint-second in the competition's all-time scoring rankings, level with former United striker Andrew Cole.

Van Gaal went on to commend the performances of Phil Jones, who made his first league start of the season, and Jesse Lingard, who replaced Juan Mata in the second half.

"A tough work out for Phil Jones, yes. I think he played very well.

"Jesse Lingard was a tactical changes. I think he played a very good second half," Van Gaal said.