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Louis van Gaal criticised the state of the CenturyLink Field pitch as his Manchester United side made a winning start to their US tour.

Morgan Schneiderlin scored on his debut for United after five minutes to give Van Gaal's side a 1-0 win over Club America.

Van Gaal was satisfied with his side's display, which saw him change his entire line-up at half-time. But the Reds boss was less than impressed with the state of the pitch, after One Direction played a concert at the venue just 48 hours earlier.

United boss Van Gaal said: “The surface was not good, it was difficult. The first surface is artificial with natural grass over it.

“It [the surface] was always moving, so you were seeing a lot of players moving it.

In pictures: United 1-0 Club America

"You can get more injuries. It's a big concern, it was also last season against Real Madrid that we played in such circumstances.

"At Old Trafford, it is just for football, but in America, it is about entertainment, NFL and One Direction.

MORE: 5 things we learned from Manchester United 1-0 Club America

"It would have been better and healthier to play on the surface [below the pitch,].

"We have been very well received by Seattle and the Seahawks here. Everyone is fantastic and the pitches are fantastic, but tonight we could not play on such a pitch, which is a pity because moving the ball is very important.

(Image: Getty)

"We use this tournament for our match rhythm and to build up our fitness for the match against San Jose Earthquakes.

"We will play 60 minutes and 30 minutes, and maybe use the players for ninety minutes in the last game."

As well as Schneiderlin, Van Gaal also gave debuts to other new signings Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweinsteiner.

Goalkeeper David De Gea, whose future remains unclear with Real Madrid keen to sign him this summer, Sat out the game with a minor injury.

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