“It is a relief [to finally score a goal] because you have seen an attacking Manchester United team creating lots of chances against an organised team”, van Gaal told reporters. I’m very happy with our defensive organisation and I’m very happy with our attack because we won.
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Boos rang out around Old Trafford as Anthony Martial was replaced by Marouane Fellaini in the second half, 13 minutes before Rooney’s victor.
Van Gaal said: “I can only advise the fans to criticise the manager, not the players because it is hard to play for Manchester United”.
This isn’t to say fans shouldn’t voice their opinions, they have a right to and in fact it probably lifted the atmosphere at the ground and gave the team a boost. It’s better to whistle at the manager.
“Criticism (from) the fans is never unfair, and you can not criticise the feeling of the fans”.
“There is a lot made of tactics and things at the minute but as players we can’t get too involved in that”.
“When you have two teams attacking, it’s easier to score goals”.
Asked if he had heard the crowd’s reaction, the Dutchman said: “Of course, I am not deaf”.
United take on West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United dominated possession but struggled to break down CSKA until their skipper struck to draw himself level with Denis Law as the club’s second-highest scorer on 237 goals.
The unimpressive victory over the Russian side may have helped United get a step closer to the Champions League last 16 but they failed to calm their critics.
A few fans have started booing United after accusing Van Gaal’s men of lacking ambition and attacking flair. It’s very hard to play for Manchester Utd with a lot of pressure.
The English defender has been in superb form for the Red Devils this season, playing his part in a defence that hasn’t conceded a goal in nearly 500 minutes.
That could mean a return for three former United players: Darren Fletcher, Jonny Evans and Anders Lindegaard.
“Even in the golden age of Manchester United, they could not win against them”.
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“I have to make a balance in the line-up and look for it and that’s also when I change players so we can hurt the opponent”.
