“It is possible, but then that is also in our favour because then he is fit for the new competition”.
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Unfortunately for van Gaal, he will have to do so without one of his stronger assets.
What will be the result at Old Trafford?
“I admire that he can score such a goal and can cope with the situation and he can cope with criticism also”, van Gaal said. “But he’s going great, it’s unbelievable”. I say he always needs to dribble and shoot, he has that quality. “It is slightly frustrating that we weren’t able to take the three points, but on the whole, I think we take a lot of positives from it and we will now concentrate on Wednesday’s cup game against Manchester United”.
But in light of the team’s recent disappointments, the two senior United officials have allegedly “eased off” their resistance to the idea and have now accepted the need to make necessary changes.
McCarthy, a United fan who won the Champions League under the Portuguese tactician at Porto in 2003-04, said the Premier League giants should chase the 53-year-old.
James Tomkins’ late goal made things interesting, but West Ham couldn’t find a way past David de Gea in the closing stages and will see a repeat of the 2009 FA Cup semi-final between the two sides.
Even if United do finish fourth, they could be forced to play in the Europa League if City and Liverpool triumph in Europe.
United, who are fifth in the Premier League, are vying with local rivals Manchester City for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
If Van Gaal hangs around he might get his wish.
The manager said: “Consistency is very important of course. I am very happy with that”. The number of injuries Van Gaal has had to deal with at times has brought with it the chance for young players to stake their claim.
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Van Gaal’s decision to sanction Hernandez’s United departure has been criticised in some quarters, with only 40 goals scored in 33 league matches this season, while the Mexico striker has struck 16 times in 25 Bundesliga outings. “I read only about my position in the media but not the position of other managers, so I don’t agree with that”. “He played another position, he wasn’t a striker with United”.
