text: Louis van Gaal has a reputation as a no-nonsense disciplinarian but the Manchester United manager punctured that image by revealing just how pleased he was with Ander Herrera's first goal against Aston Villa. The Dutchman explained  he had been imploring the Spanish midfielder to control the ball before shooting in order to demonstrate a greater level of composure. And Van Gaal's emotions got the better of him when the players came in at half-time with a 1-0 advantage thanks to Herrera's 43rd minute strike. Ander Herrera (left) puts Manchester United ahead against Aston Villa with a goal in the 43rd minute . Herrea's (right) goal displayed the first touch that Louis van Gaal was eager to see from him . Van Gaal admitted that he was so pleased with Herrera's opening goal, he kissed him at the interval . 'He has a very good kicking technique and he should be more composed,' Van Gaal said to 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. 'But then I came to him after the second-half and he said 'without control I can do it also!' United strengthened their place among the top-four of the Premier League by emerging 3-1 winners against Tim Sherwood's side at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Herrera at the double. Herrera (centre) netted twice as United ended up beating Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford . They moved above local rivals Manchester City and into third on 62 points, but will drop back to fourth if City win at Crystal Palace on Monday. The two sides then meet at Old Trafford next Sunday, with United looking to extend their five-match winning run.
target: Louis van Gaal wanted  Ander Herrera to control the ball before shooting .
  Van Gaal was delighted by the composure for Herrera's first goal .
  The Manchester United boss said he kissed Herrera at half-time .