Marcus Rashford continued his breakthrough season by netting the opening goal in the FA Cup Quarter-Final replay win over West Ham.
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A lengthy injury list means Van Gaal has had to use a number of untested young players at United this season, and the manager claims his reputation for trusting in youth was one of the reasons he was appointed. Very chilled and very down to earth, and that’s something we have at the club.
The 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last time out in the Premier League saw United slip four points back from fourth-placed Manchester City and put their UEFA Champions League status for next season in further jeopardy.
The Everton game is a rematch of the 2009 FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, which Everton won on penalties.
James Tomkins reduced the deficit, but De Gea was, once again, the saviour for Louis van Gaal’s side in the closing stages as he denied the Hammers the chance to take the tie into extra-time.
Speaking in a post-match press conference after the game, United Manager, Van Gaal, showered praise on 18-year-old Rashford, applauding the youngster for his outstanding performance during the match.
“I read only my position in the media, not the position of other managers”.
However, Van Gaal does not think the comparison holds water, pointing out that Ronaldo played in a different position during the first part of his United career.
Rashford has taken his opportunity in fine style, after being granted his debut in the Europa League win over FC Midtjylland on 25 February – in which he scored twice – and Carrick has been impressed by his big-game temperament.
“We are still in the race for the first positions in the league and we are still in the FA Cup”.
“He was not a striker at Manchester United, I believe, and you can not compare”.
Van Gaal added that England left-back Luke Shaw is making good progress ahead of his return from a broken leg.
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“You can not say in advance that I give you 20 minutes or something like that”.
