Anthony Martial has taken a lot of criticism in recent weeks for the lack of goals he is scoring, but Van Gaal has called for less pressure to be put on the youngster, and just let him have time to settle in at his new club.
Advertisement
Martial made a stunning start to life in a United shirt, scoring four goals in his first four games in all competitions since making his big-money move to the club during the off-season.
United go into the match as the 47/20 underdogs, having scored just seven times in their last 10 matches, but manager Louis van Gaal is convinced they can discover their killer instinct in front of goal again. As a manager I know we must score but when you ask about the performance as a team, I am satisfied. You can not -expect that a 20-year-old, in his first year in the Premier League, scores every week.
“I have the experience as a manager that the goals shall come”.
“I don’t feel any pressure, I am just really looking forward to this game and I know my team will do all they can to make history”.
As a result of a goalless draw at home to PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago, Manchester United now need to beat Wolfsburg, in Germany, to be sure of making it through to the Champions League knockout phase.
“It’s a very important game for us at this moment, because of the situation”, he said.
But with PSV Eindhoven, a further point back, taking on the group’s bottom club CSKA Moscow at home in the final round of fixtures, a victory will in all likelihood be needed if Van Gaal’s side is to reach the last 16.
He did admit, however, that winning the Champions League is not realistic this season, adding: “Maybe next year, when we strengthen our selection again”. “That is important – not only his football qualities – but that he can lead and guide a team on the pitch”, Van Gaal said, quoted by the club website (www.manutd.com). “We must always prepare with the same 13 players”, said Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League decider against Wolfsburg, Louis van Gaal has defended his decision to offload so many strikers.
Wolfsburg have played Manchester United three times previously in the Champions League; losing all of them. You’ve got to say they’ve not bought as well as they could have done.
Advertisement
“It’s surprising that they are struggling to score goals, but they have unbelievable players and they know where the goal is, so we’ve got to be very careful”, said Schuerrle. He is facing a three-match suspension and has until Thursday to appeal. And we have proven that already, also in the Premier League.
