Whatever criticism is hurled Louis van Gaal’s way even his harshest detractors can not accuse the Dutchman of failing to give Manchester United’s youngsters a chance.
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“He’s very focused on his work and that I admire, when you are so young and there is so much attention”, Van Gaal said of Rashford who he took off at halftime against Tottenham.
United’s season has been a forgettable one so far – but Bilic knows they can turn on the style at the drop of a hat and that a Wembley semi-final date with Everton on April 23 is anything but a given.
Slaven Bilic altered his formation against Arsenal to accommodate the returning James Tomkins, but following a torrid opening 45 minutes, the Hammers boss reverted to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 with Antonio dropping into the back four. Will we see players played in position?
“I am very happy with him”.
“You can not deny that my team has a lot of fighting spirit”.
West Ham will prove tough opposition, but as CSKA Moscow, Swansea City, Liverpool and Manchester City among others have discovered this season, when the chips are down and the pressure is on, United have found a way of winning for Van Gaal.
When asked if United had lost their fear factor, the Croatian said: “Yes, but they can get that fear factor back during the game”.
“I played against Chelsea and it was hard coming back for my first game in a while”.
Defender Phil Jones said: “We have to go to West Ham, play well and beat them”.
West Ham, in their last cup tie at Upton Park before next season’s move to the Olympic Stadium, made a game of it when Tomkins bravely stooped to head home with 11 minutes left.
Instead they fell two behind when Lingard got to the byline after Fellaini had headed the ball down in the box. “Thanks to all the staff at Manchester United who have been helping me with my recovery”, Rooney wrote on his official Instagram page.
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The Red Devils travel to West Ham in their FA Cup quarterfinal replay and it is reported in The Sun, The Times and the Daily Telegraph that Rooney will be on the bench for the match.
