Michael Carrick believes winning the FA Cup would constitute a successful season for Manchester United.
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But FA Cup success is unlikely to be enough to save Van Gaal, who has yet to win over the Old Trafford faithful.
“The referees are deciding the game and not the players any more”, Van Gaal told BBC Sport. “But still we are here, still we are fighting for the fourth place, also we are in the final of the FA Cup”, Van Gaal said, as quoted by the Mirror. “For the future, I discuss this with my board and not with you”.
The England defender said: “He’s our main attacking threat and he’s been brilliant all season”.
He said: “I have said everything in advance”.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez, having been thrashed by Liverpool in Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby, is thought to be on his last legs at the club and although Everton gave a promising account of themselves, couldn’t knick the vital result they were looking for.
“More often than not he gets the beating of them and that’s great for us because you just want to feed players like that who are constantly that high on confidence all season”.
On an afternoon that reaped 19 goals from four matches, last season’s Player of the Year Eden Hazard finally opened his league account for the season with two in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Bournemouth. However, Wembley it was – and United quickly became familiar with the surroundings, bossing much of the opening period, and breaking the deadlock on 34 minutes courtesy of Marouane Fellaini.
The game looked like it was heading to extra time after Chris Smalling scored an own goal late in the second half but up stepped Martial and Carrick says he was delighted to play a part in such a dramatic game.
Smalling also thinks playing Rooney in midfield could bring out the best of him and his United team-mates.
United will face either Crystal Palace or Watford in the FA Cu Final on May 21. “But that’s the challenge for everyone – to get back on top – and that’s what we have to do”.
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Next up for Manchester United is a home clash against Premier League leaders Leicester City on Sunday 1 May.
