Van Gaal’s tactics were yet again questioned as the Dutch manager substituted Juan Mata for Nick Powell, who hasn’t featured for United in quite a long time. You can lose and win in sport, you have to accept it.
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“So the problem is that we have to meet with the expectations, and the expectations at a club like United are very high”. “That’s not happening much for Manchester United”, he said.
“It is more of a problem in the outside world than inside the club”.
Van Gaal may have tested the patience of United’s demanding fans in the week, suggesting the club, for all its pedigree and riches, can not automatically expect success, but he retains the advantage of having the thickest skin. “And in the second half it was a match that who scores the second goal shall win”.
“Of course I’m concerned because we have lost two matches in a row, and that is not usual”.
The defeat increased the pressure on Van Gaal, and means that the Red Devils could drop out of the top four if Tottenham Hotspur beat Newcastle United today.
Asked if he would be happy if he just lifted the Europa League this season, he replied: “Just?”
It’s not just about the amount you spend, though, it is the players you spend it on. I’m not thinking like that.
Managerless Swansea, playing above themselves, had equalised deservedly in the last minute through Bafetimbi Gomis after Wilfried Bony’s first half headed goal against his old side had put City ahead. “For me, it is a big competition”.
The 64-year-old Dutchman scoffed at suggestions that the only way to make up for being eliminated from the Champions League was to claim the EPL title.
“It is far harder to win the Champions League now than it was then”, he said.
Everton have looked great at times this season, with Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku looking like legitimate superstars.
It remains to be seen whether the United board will be tempted to end the Van Gaal era now, but it is clear that the concern surrounding his tenure as manager is now exploding into a fully blown crisis.
Manchester City’s Jesus Navas, centre, fights for the ball against Swansea City’s Ki Sung-Yueng during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Swansea City at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Dec. 12, 2015.
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Actually, ten years ago Manchester United – under Sir Alex Ferguson – also went out at the Champions League group stages and eventually finished second in the Premier League.
