Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial have returned to training in the buildup to Manchester United’s Champions League home match against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
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United manager Louis van Gaal said Friday he had been expecting more this season from Depay after his high-profile move from PSV Eindhoven last offseason.
Despite the good results, they are just one point off the top of the Premier League table after 13 games, Van Gaal has faced criticism for his style of play and utilisation of the players at his disposal.
Van Gaal said earlier in the season that his captain had certain privileges which ensured selection, but he clarified that this was dependent on fitness.
Along with Martial and the club’s skipper missing last Saturday, United had to plan without Marouane Fellaini, James Wilson, Michael Carrick and long-term absentees Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw.
Van Gaal informed MUTV and reporters at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that the left-back has been given four days off from his recovery programme this week.
United looked set to win 1-0 after Dutchman Memphis Depay put them ahead in the 11th minute, a lead they held until Deeney equalised from the spot in the 87th after substitute Marcos Rojo brought down Odion Ighalo in the penalty area. “I’m not 100 per cent convinced, I think Manchester City and Arsenal would have to struggle with injuries and form”, he said on BT Sport.
The visitors continued to create chances with Morgan Schneiderlin volleying over wastefully while Deeney cleared on the line to keep out Schweinsteiger’s header. “The most important thing will be that he is back on his feet shortly, joining the team and playing for Manchester United, but we don’t know what will happen tomorrow in the game”.
“I’ve obviously got to work on that but it’s great to see Basti at the back post to stick one in at the end”.
“I hope not”, the PSV boss said when asked if he thought Moreno would be booed.
United top Group B and will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League if they beat PSV, who ran out 2-1 winners in the reverse fixture two months ago.
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But mention has to be made of the man who is fast emerging to be the best player on the Man United team – David de Gea, as he pulled off a few fantastic saves and kept his composure throughout. I think it’s a compliment for those two that they have played.
