Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was satisfied, though not delighted, with the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
An early own goal from Damien Delaney and a second half strike from Matteo Darmian saw United brush aside Palace to leave the Reds still in the fight for the top 4.
Speaking afterwards, van Gaal noted:
We played a very good match, but we created a lot of chances. We could have scored 4; we have to give the fans entertaining football. I am very pleased because we have the three points and now can look to the big match against Everton.
Van Gaal makes this point in conjunction with an observation of the Old Trafford crowd, in which there were noticeably more empty seats dotted around the ground. Speaking of Wayne Rooney’s new role in midfield, van Gaal said:
It’s very important to switch the play. He assisted a goal last Saturday, and it is very helpful for our team.
Alan Pardew bemoaned the early own goal which put his troubled side on the back foot from the off:
It was always going to be difficult, an own goal that early gave them confidence and they played with confidence. We played ok, but we had blurred vision. Sunday is obviously a massive game for our football club.
The day in question sees Pardew’s Palace travel down to Wembley to play Watford in the FA Cup semi-final. Should they navigate a way past the Hornets, they would face either United or Everton in the showpiece final, the Reds and the Toffees facing off on Saturday.
Comments.
Loading comments…