---
title: "Van Gaal: United ‘lucky’ against Everton"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2016/04/03/van-gaal-united-lucky-everton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Reports"
published: "2016-04-03T20:16:00Z"
modified: "2016-04-03T20:16:27Z"
---

# Van Gaal: United ‘lucky’ against Everton

Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Everton sent them into fifth, still fighting for the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.

Anthony Martial’s second half goal was enough in a match lacking in outright quality. United looked keen to settle and showboat after Martial turn in Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s cross just before the hour mark.

Manager Louis van Gaal [said](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35955594):

> *We were lucky because we didn’t create many chances. I think we have created two chances, and we scored out of those two chances, which is effective but also unnecessary.*

Van Gaal was speaking in the wake of United having edged possession, but testing visiting keeper Joel Robles on only one occasion. Conversely, Everton tested United’s defence several times but failed to find a way past another inspired performance from David de Gea.

![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/04/518881230.jpg)

The Dutchman continued, identifying key young talents in his lineup:

> *I have said in the dressing room that they (Martial, Fosu-Mensah, and Marcus Rashford) are talented. It’s good.*

Defeated Everton boss Roberto Martinez [was understandably disappointed](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35906370) that the Toffees came away empty handed, having carved out far more opportunities than the home side:

> *Up until the goal we were the team with the better tempo and better initiative. We had a few good opportunities, but maybe the timing wasn’t right or the passing wasn’t right.*
>
> *We kept Manchester United very, very quiet, if you look at the amount of action Joel Robles had. We got comfortable and might have switched off the first time we had to defend the box.*

Speaking on Phil Jagielka’s attempt that hit the crossbar, the Spaniard said:

> *It was that kind of game that came down to the small margins. The ball hitting the crossbar and going in or going out is the difference. I don’t think the two teams were that different in terms of performances today.*

United now are faced with the task of keeping Tottenham at bay when they travel to the capital a week today. Martinez must pick up his troops and take them to 14th placed Watford in six days time.