Van Gaal put United’s inconsistencies down to a rotation policy borne out of necessity and remains upbeat about his chances, despite the rising pressure and Jose Mourinho constantly being linked.
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Manchester United defender Chris Smalling admits Liverpool are now in the boxseat to progress in their Europa League tie.
But Bilic knows Van Gaal’s side have bounced back from setbacks before this season and claims it would be “suicidal” for his team to take their hosts lightly.
Jose Mourinho remains the hot favourite to replace Van Gaal as United boss, even though the Sunday World understands there is still opposition to his appointment from senior Old Trafford officials.
With defeat in the cup chase will go the all but diminished hope of a place in the prestigious and lucrative European Champions League next season, the first time they will miss European competition since they became the first English club to play the European Cup in 1956. They, possibly, could be captain but are they real Manchester United captains? I don’t think that we were very creative, but it was also the defence of Liverpool, and you can give the greatest credit to Liverpool.
He said, “Fellaini isn’t someone you can play through”.
United succumbed to a disappointing loss at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield in what was a fairly lacklustre performance.
“They are playing well at the moment and are full of confidence so we have to be careful”. It is a good step, but it is the first leg. It is half a job. Scholes said that he thought winning the FA Cup and finishing fourth was more the level of Arsenal, but in the circumstances any silverware for the first time since 2013 would be welcome. We would have liked to have won more clearly but there is nothing to criticise tonight.
But despite mixed results of late, the Dutchman has retained faith in his system and players, despite using over 30 players this season due to injuries.
“I like Van Gaal – I think he’s a decent guy and a good person”, Muhammad told MM.
United legends Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were both furious with the performance, and they, along with the club’s supporters, will be expecting a reaction when the team play West Ham United in the FA Cup on Sunday evening.
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And Van Gaal took offense to referee Carlos Velasco Carballo’s contentious decision, adding: “We get a cheap penalty and that was 1-0”. I’m really pleased for Joe Allen – he has not been playing and I don’t like this, but he showed how strong he is.
