Louis van Gaal was delighted with the spirit that Manchester United showed after conceding a late penalty to go on and claim the three points with a 2-1 victory at Watford this afternoon.

Leading through Memphis Depay’s 11th-minute goal, the visitors looked as if they would pay the price for not capitalising on another chance when the Hornets’ improved showing in the second half was rewarded by Troy Deeney’s penalty four minutes from time.

However, the Red Devils reacted to that setback by immediately going back on to the front foot and they clinched the points when Deeney turned a Bastian Schweinsteiger ball into the six-yard box into his own net.

Reflecting on his side’s performance, van Gaal said: I was very satisfied about our defensive organisation. We didn’t give more than three chances away; one in the first half and two in the second half but our positional game was not so good today. I’ve changed the shape because of the many injuries and the injuries also in the attackers’ positions. Maybe it was that but nevertheless we have created a lot of chances because I think Memphis and Jesse Lingard played a very good game.

“We could have finished the game much earlier and after the penalty, which we gave away, but then you saw again the spirit of the team because we created three chances in a row. The equaliser was an injection, so I’m very proud I’m the manager of that team.”

With Anthony Martial out injured and Wayne Rooney ill, Van Gaal turned to Memphis to lead the line and he rewarded his manager’s faith with the opener.

“The goal was a superb goal,” said van Gaal. “A fantastic pass from Ander Herrera, a good attack and, yes, he finishes very well. But I think he played a very good game in the first half. Second half, a little bit less because he had six weeks or more out of the team and lacking a little bit of match rhythm, I can understand that. But I think he played a very good match like Jesse Lingard.

“I think the way we have played suits them and that was good because now we know we can also play in another system. We have to improve our positional game today. All the other games we were very good in the positional game, so good that it was boring,” the Dutchman added, with reference to those who have criticised United’s style of play.