Van Gaal believes Palace’s chief threat in Saturday’s Wembley clash will come from set-plays, but he refused to confirm whether he was planning to recall Marouane Fellaini to give his side a little more aerial presence.
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They hit more traffic problems in the capital 10 days ago on the journey between the Hilton Canary Wharf and Upton Park. “If I say something about that, then Alan Pardew knows the line-up”.
United stayed at Wembley for their semi-final win over Everton and will do so again to ensure there are no further problems as Van Gaal’s side look to end a hard season on a high.
The FA Cup would not be their first choice, but it does not really matter what the competition is – United are always a club that needs to win something. It is important for the players because qualification [for the Champions League] is not a title, a title is the FA Cup, it is the championship. You have to win it.
It is the first time Crystal Palace has made it to the FA Cup final since 1990.
He said: ‘Close is not enough you have to win it.
He said that he would not shy away from using youngsters again, explaining: “We need matches of this level because it’s an education for the young players”.
“I think we are probably going to do it before the game”, he said of his contract, which he previously did not want to sign until Premier League safety had been secured.
The former Newcastle United manager is aware his team go into the showpiece event as underdogs but feels the pressure will all be on Louis van Gaal’s side.
“I think the fans are more concerned about the title [FA Cup] than I”.
“We have a squad of 27 players, so I have to disappoint nine players in advance. The FA Cup is a big title in England, we are playing in the most prestigious temple of England”. “You have to win, and you have to cope with that pressure”.
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He is still only 23 and could still have a very big career ahead of him, starting on Saturday if he can shake off a torn leg muscle in time to play.
