Louis van Gaal reveals he kissed two-goal Ander Herrera at half-time during Manchester United win

The Spanish midfielder was the hero in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa

Ander Herrera celebrates for United after scoring against Aston Villa (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal has revealed he kissed Ander Herrera at half-time during Manchester United's win over Aston Villa.

The Red Devils beat the relegation threatened side at Old Trafford with a 3-1 scoreline with Herrera scoring the opening goal of the game just before the break.

It seemed the Spaniard had carried out instructions from Van Gaal to be more composed when shooting and so delighted was the Dutchman to see the results produce a goal, he couldn't contain himself when the players returned to the dressing room.

"He has a very good kicking technique and he should only be more composed," Van Gaal told MUTV.

"I said to him 'you have to control the ball before you shoot'.

"I said that to him again in yesterday's training session, and then I kissed him at half-time because he had controlled the ball for the first time in his life and then he shot!"

Wayne Rooney added a second goal before Christian Benteke pulled one back for the visitors, however Herrera scored his second of the game and his seventh of the season to end the contest.

Van Gaal added: "I came after the second half to him and he said 'without control I can do it also!'"

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

The victory for United put them eight points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.