“I have seen periods and tendencies in Manchester United like in other clubs”. Just when it seemed like he had assembled a lovely team and got them firing, he shifts their French teenage sensation out wide and perseveres with club captain Wayne Rooney leading the line.
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On Monday, however, Van Gaal defended his “fantastic” captain, who has scored only two goals in the Premier League this season, telling a news conference that Rooney has “more credits” than any other player. I can remind you that you [were] saying that defending is our problem and I said that ‘no, defensive organisation starts with the attackers’. However, this has also coincided with their longest barren run in front of goal since 2005. But it would benefit him, Manchester United, and probably England as well. It is these factors that have led to frustration amongst the terraces, and from ex United players.
The 64-year-old prepares for a Champions League against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night, before his side host West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Van Gaal’s criticism was justified but the Dutchman’s reluctance to overlook a shocking performance from Wayne Rooney was unacceptable.
During the game, United fans sang “we’re Man United, we want to attack”, but Van Gaal seemed unfazed by this.
In the defence, Phil Jones will most likely return after being rested for the Crystal Palace game.
“Overall, when we look at the last three games, we played very good against Everton, played good against City and should have won as we were the only team pushing to win and (against Palace) we’ve drawn so we could have had nine points. They need one match, and I hope that’s against CSKA Moscow because we need the victory”, he added.
I’m convinced he’s coming back maybe stronger than before but we have to give him time, like we will with [Anthony] Martial when he is a little bit lower in his shape. It can also (create) a lot of doubt and I try to influence that.
Anthony Martial continues to play on the left wing rather than at striker despite United’s goal scoring issues of late.
“So they have seen it very good I think”.
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“It can change in one match”, he said. “So every week I have to decide where to play him depending on the game plan and the opponent”, he said.
