Louis van Gaal was a happy man after Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the third round of the Capital One Cup last night.
Wayne Rooney, Andreas Pereira and Anthony Martial were the goalscorers as the Reds strolled to a comprehensive victory, and van Gaal expressed his delight at the performance following the game.
Speaking to MUTV, the manager said: “The result was great. We don’t have injuries. I brought in players, I rotated players. Phil Jones has played a lot of minutes. So I’m a happy coach.”
“Last year we were out in the first game against Milton Keynes away. At that time there were a lot of injuries and I played with my second team. We went out and the fans were not so pleased. I thought I should do it in another way. We play also at home so we have to make it enjoyable for the fans as well, our own fans. We have succeeded in doing that and that’s a major point for me. We have no injuries, we have won and we are in the next round.”
van Gaal also praised Pereira’s performance on his home debut, saying: “It was his first line-up match (start) and I think he did rather well. He scored a fantastic, important goal and I’m pleased but he has to compete, for example, with Juan Mata, Memphis Depay and Ashley Young so it shall be difficult for him.
“He can play in the no.7, 10 and 11 positions. Lingard can also play no.7, 10 and 11. I have multi-functional players but they have to compete with other players. It is dependable on the level of the players. I always put the best player in the line-up when he is working for the team.”
Pereira also spoke to MUTV after the game and thanked Juan Mata for letting him take the free-kick that resulted in the second goal.
“I asked Juan for the ball and he gave it to me. We’ve been practising together and he trusted me. It’s very special for me to score my first goal, a free-kick at the Stretford End as well. It’s just like a dream come true. I’m very happy for my family, for impressing my manager and doing well for my club,” he said.
