Louis Van Gaal was relieved of some of the pressure he’s been facing at Manchester United after managing to progress into the semi-finals of the FA Cup. The manager suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday which dented their hopes of a top-four finish.
But the win gives United fans hope of winning silverware this season. Van Gaal was questioned about the pressure he was facing after a disappointing season so far and whether the result against West Ham had been the perfect reply “What can I answer? I do my work, I do my utmost best and everywhere I have worked I have won something.”
The Dutchman was adamant that he was the right man for the job citing his success at previous clubs as the reason he is still United’s manager. “A lot of things have been changed in all the clubs that I have worked for and because of that, I am here. I’m selected by Man Utd because of that. Not because I’m a lousy trainer or coach”
United took the lead in the game through a wonderful finish from their young striker Marcus Rashford who curled the ball into the top corner. The goal came in the 54th minute, and 13 minutes later Marouane Fellaini made it 2-0 scoring after a 12 game goal drought.
Van Gaal was very pleased with the youngster’s performances and how he has stepped in so impressively for the injured Wayne Rooney.”He shows no nerves, he is focused on his work and I admire that. When you are so young and there’s so much attention and when you can cope with that focus, attention and on the next match, it is fantastic. “
This was the last FA Cup game at Upton Park as West Ham will move to the Olympic stadium next season. Slaven Bilic has done an incredible job this campaign and has made the Boleyn ground a fortress.
Van Gaal knew how tough it would be to come here and get the win.”When you play a game here at Upton Park and play like we have after a defeat, it shows my team have fighting spirit.” The manager also said that he wasn’t the most important person at the club. “I’m not important; but the club, the fans and players are,”