“It’s dependable how he plays, like every player”, Van Gaal said.
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The Dutchman, whose side trail Spurs by 12 points, said: “We have beaten Tottenham 1-0 (earlier in the season) and until the 70th minute (of the last match) I think we were the better team, but then (there was) a mis-communication”.
Everton stars John Stones and Ross Barkley have been linked with moves to Old Trafford, but Van Gaal would not be drawn on their future when asked about the pair. “To concede after four minutes knocked us a little bit but our focus is slightly blurred as we have the semi-final on Sunday”, said Pardew.
“But what Kluivert was in my first year at Ajax is Rashford now in my second year at United”.
Overcoming West Ham in last week’s FA Cup quarter-final replay started a turnaround that continued with back-to-back Premier League wins at home to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
Injuries to the likes of more experienced forwards Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, on top of a lack of options elsewhere, tempted Van Gaal into giving the academy product a run of games. But Rooney is beginning to show he can be adaptable and still play a key role in leading both United and England to future success. “Everton in the FA Cup is, of course, [a game where] we have to line up the strongest team”.
“He can learn a lot”, Van Gaal told reporters. “I use each player where they can give a high contribution in a particular game”.
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“It was more of a midfield role today, because of the way Crystal Palace was playing and I didn’t want to change (striker) Marcus Rashford from his position, so we had to look for another position for Wayne”. On a night when hundreds of United fans made a decision to give the match a miss due to the boring football and the lack of a title challenge, the Red Devils served up a display of sharp, entertaining attacking football. The manager said to MUTV that he is very pleased with the game, but they could have scored at least 4 to 5 goals keeping in view the chances created.
