Marcus Rashford, the Manchester-born 18-year-old who was nearly tempted away to Manchester City as a schoolboy, may make his Premier League debut against Arsenal tomorrow having marked his first senior appearance for United with two crucial goals in Thursday’s 5-1 Europa League victory against FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford.
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United entertain Arsenal on Sunday and Van Gaal believes they are the best team in the country, even though they are behind Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the table. “As long as he is recovered he should be all right”.
“There were no easy games in this round so there was no chance for an easy game”.
We are at the stage where it is not a case of if Louis van Gaal loses his job, but when. “I think he needs time like every player needs time except a player like Martial for example”, the United boss replied.
Michael Carrick says he is extremely pleased with Marcus Rashford’s start to life in the Manchester United first team. “It is in the club’s culture”. I can not say, but it is not as heavy as everybody thinks, but you never know.
“I’ve done that, kept my place in the side, which is incredible”. “Hopefully we can get some more bodies fit and some strength in depth back, but it’s always a big game against Arsenal and we’ll be ready to go”.
“We’ve seen a special debut and hopefully his career will kick off from here”, former United player Paul Scholes told BT Sport. “You have to analyse the results of Manchester United – we only lost one game [heavily], 3-0, versus Arsenal, and they’re on another level”, he said.
Van Gaal was dismissive when asked about that, though, instead pointing to the injury crisis that has enveloped his side, and outside perceptions of his team. They have a very organised defence, so in scoring five goals and creating 15 chances we played a fantastic game but we now have to do it against Arsenal. They were well organised and the spirit was there and a lot players reached a higher level. United have already accepted that the Europa League might represent their best hope of Champions League qualification.
However, De Gea has responded well to treatment and van Gaal has now confirmed that he expects his number one to be back between the sticks against Arsenal on Sunday.
The real worry will be the full-back positions, though, where Van Gaal is reliant on a host of youngsters. Though clearly talented, the winger has proved far too erratic for many supporters’ liking.
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“That’s the standard Memphis has set now”, Carrick said. “No because I have always defended him”. We help them every day to develop themselves, because we recognise their talent. In a weird way this situation with me has an advantage for the players. “The next season with PSV he scored 20 goals”.
