“Doumbia, that was the only attack of CSKA Moscow (when) a player of Manchester United stepped in on the wrong way”, said Van Gaal, whose side now lead PSV Eindhoven and Wolfsburg by a point.
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It also papered over a few cracks United manager van Gaal must hope won’t be re-opened against West Brom at Old Trafford in United’s final Premier League game before the global break.
“It’s very hard to play for United with a lot of pressure and, when you can taste that in Old Trafford because of all the yelling, it’s not good for my players”.
The supporters watching on began to grow more agitated and urged their team forward chanting: “We want to attack, we want to attack, we’re Man United, we want to attack”.
“In the golden years of Manchester United, I have read, they never won against a Russian team at home”.
United need just one win from their last two group matches, at home to PSV Eindhoven and away at VfL Wolfsburg, to reach the last 16.
“I am very happy about the result and that we are top of the group”.
Striker James Wilson also missed the win over CSKA when United kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet, which pleased Van Gaal.
Rooney has been struggling to find his best form this campaign and has received his fair share of criticism in recent weeks following his profligacy in front of goal.
“Law is a legend at this club so I am delighted to equal his record”, said Rooney, who is now 12 short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time record.
But former Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers boss Redknapp insists it is unrealistic to expect Van Gaal to replicate the playing style which saw the team claim a mountain of silverware under Ferguson.
“The LMA are doing the most they possibly can to try to bring us together and yet we get no feedback on Anthony’s performance on Saturday”, he said, ahead of Saturday’s trip to United.
“Nevertheless, CSKA tried this tactic but only created one chance so I was very happy with our defensive organisation and very happy with the way we attacked”.
Matteo Darmian remains out due to suspension, so Young will resume his role as right back.
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The back four played quite well against Moscow, especially Smalling, who made a crucial sliding block late in the match to help secure the win.
