Louis van Gaal tactics leave Manchester United fans furious as Ashley Young plays up front

The winger replaced Marcus Rashford at half-time and spearheaded United's attack against Tottenham

Louis van Gaal at White Hart Lane (Getty)

Manchester United fans were left perplexed by Louis van Gaal's tactics during their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The Dutchman took Marcus Rashford off at half-time and replaced the young forward with Ashley Young.

But rather than moving specialist striker Anthony Martial from the wing to a more central role, and placing winger Young out on the left, Van Gaal instead directed the substitute to play through the middle.

Manchester United fans were unable to understand the logic behind the decision and many voiced their concerns on Twitter...

After the match, Van Gaal explained: "I want more runnings in behind because in the first half we didn't have an attacking point and that is the reason."

Young was making his first appearance for Manchester United since the 1-0 win over Liverpool in mid-January. The former Aston Villa player had been suffering with a severe groin injury that required surgery.

Manchester United remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification, but defeat has left them with an uphill struggle to reel in Manchester City, who are four points above them in fourth with six games to play.