Yet they are certain to start against PSV at Old Trafford, after Memphis Depay impressed in a central striking role last weekend. Saturday’s draw at Willem II was the fifth time they had failed to go on to win after taking the lead in the Eredivisie this season and coach Phillip Cocu had strong words for his players after the match.
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De Gea has since re-established himself in United’s starting XI, and has been typically excellent for Van Gaal’s side.
Van Gaal added: “I think the first match was very disappointing”. The declaration is a change of tune to what the manager said earlier in the season where he revealed that the skipper was the only immediate name on the team sheet.
“I think the first match was very disappointing, not only because of the result but because of Luke Shaw”, Van Gaal said.
The midfield zone is one of the team’s best areas and it relies heavily on Pröpper – who normally acts as a more defensive midfielder – and Guardado who was more freedom to roam forward when given enough space. For me, and for us, he is a very important player and I said in advance that he would be the revelation of the season because last season was his adaptation season.
“Then he has more freedom, it is like Arjen Robben, he has more freedom and these players are feeling so happy with their freedom and he can excel then”. Rooney, Martial, Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick were all out of contention during the weekend, while Herrera and Phil Jones were injured mid-game during the weekend.
The 25-year-old seemed destined to join Real Madrid, but the deal fell through, with the Spanish club even releasing a statement saying “they did everything that was necessary”, as reported by ESPN. “He still needed more recovery time but that does not mean he can not play”.
“No, not automatically”, Van Gaal replied when asked if Rooney will return immediately to face PSV.
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PSV have some injury concerns of their own, with Jetro Williams and Maxime Lestienne expected to miss the clash, along with Menno Kock, who is still sidelined with an ACL problem. My prediction of 2-0 is on offer at 6/1 and I also like the look of Anthony Martial opening the scoring at odds of 7/2.
