“When one of your own scores a couple of goals, then the supporters walk away seeing a brighter future”.
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But the hosts improved when Rashford switched places with Anthony Martial and the Frenchman won the free-kick which Mata curled in from 20 yards.
England boss Roy Hodgson was keen to keep the pressure off when quizzed about the teenager in Paris, but refused to rule the striker in or out of selection for this summer’s tournament.
Wednesday’s Barclays Premier League match offers United the chance to extend their winning run to four matches in all competitions, but those hoping for more touchline dramatics from Van Gaal look set to be disappointed.
The Dutchman was a surprise name on United’s teamsheet yet the Ajax academy product was the best player on the pitch.
“It’s important, especially for us, because we have lost too many unnecessary points”.
Darmian and Smalling both suffered shoulder injuries earlier this month, while Martial hurt a hamstring during the warmup before the Europa League win over FC Midtjylland on Thursday.
“We wanted to win, you have to win against Watford at home, I think, but it was a hard game because of the wind”.
“We have a small squad and have no more than two senior players for each position, so you can give an opportunity to a youngster”.
When asked if he was about to do the substitution just before United went ahead, van Gaal said: “It is true, because he was limping at the time”.
However, former United midfielder Ince doesn’t believe Van Gaal should stay even if he secures a top-four finish and a trophy in the coming months.
Another double a few days later in the 3-2 victory over Arsenal increased the feel-good factor and alleviated the pressure mounting on manager Van Gaal.
“United are really getting some momentum behind them and the goals of Rashford seem to have lifted the whole club and the fans”, Merson added.
“As I have said before: age is not important”.
“We only played 55 games at Bayern Munich when we reached the Champions League Final [in 2010], but we still have to find somewhere to play the Crystal Palace and West Ham games in the league”.
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“I think that the youngsters give us a lot of spirit and now when the dressing room is full of joy and all the players are laughing, that is lovely to see”.
