The United manager theatrically threw himself to the ground in front of the fourth official, mocking what he thought was diving by Arsenal players during his side’s crucial 3-2 win.
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On Rashford, Van Gaal added: “I think his performance was better than the first match”. We can show on Wednesday night that we have great character and mental response and that’s what we want to do.
“I’ll stand on my head if they prove me wrong and go and win this league because that was totally unacceptable”.
David de Gea, meanwhile, had a laugh at the United coach’s expense via social media.
The 18-year-old was barely known outside of Old Trafford at this point last week but four goals in two appearances against Arsenal and Midtjylland have shot the forward into the limelight. “His movement in the box was great and he could be a very positive surprise for Manchester United on what I’ve seen”.
Danny Welbeck pulled one back for the visitors before the break, before Ander Herrera 65th minute deflected strike ensure United were two-goals ahead.
“This is the reason why we have a smaller squad, so we can give young players a chance”, says Van Gaal.
Louis van Gaal described Marcus Rashford as a “special talent” after he scored two goals in Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has vowed not to emulate Louis van Gaal and show off his judo ability on the touchline during matches.
“It worries me that Arsene continually talks about his team being mentally tough – it’s nearly as if he’s trying to persuade them”.
Impressive as the other debutants – defenders Joe Riley and Tim Fosu-Mensah and midfielders Regan Poole and James Weir – may have been, Rashford is the player who has guaranteed a place in United’s folklore.
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The teenage goal machine believes that playing in midweek had probably benefitted him as he was not thinking too much about the game. “It’s just insane and you can’t explain it when you’re out there”.
