Manchester United will travel to West Ham United’s Boleyn ground tomorrow for the FA Cup quarter-final replay. Louis Van Gaal was left distraught after his side were destroyed by a rampant Tottenham side on Sunday.
A win against West Ham will at least, keep alive hopes of a first trophy for the Dutchman as manager of United. But they come up against one of the strongest West Ham sides in recent history who are also one of their rivals for the top four places in the Premier League.
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Van Gaal has warned United players of the threat that West Ham’s big striker Andy Caroll carries. The Englishman plundered a hat-trick against Arsenal on Saturday in a thrilling 3-3 draw all but ending the Gunner’s hopes of a first Premier League title in eleven years.
“I have seen the Andy Carroll show, I think our problem (against Tottenham) was also the miscommunication of our central defenders. I hope that we improve our communication because it is a very important this game for us” said the manager.
“He has special qualities. We have seen that in the match that he played on Saturday. It was also against Arsenal and they have great central defenders. So we have to cope with Carroll but also with other players — they have a certain player named (Dimitri) Payet, he can also play.” he added.
United are now 4 points behind Manchester City with after their first loss at White Hart lane in 15 years. Their hopes of finishing in the top four will now depend on how those above them will perform in the remaining fixtures of the season.
This will be United’s third consecutive trophyless season if they fail to win the FA Cup and Van Gaal is well aware of the huge task he has ahead of him. “I think the players of Manchester United have to cope with that pressure, they have done it always.”
Carrick’s future still not decided
Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford is still up in the air after contract talks have apparently stalled.The 34-year-old has been part of the Red Devils over the last decade but is yet to sign an extension to keep him for another year.
Carrick has been one of United's most consistent performers over the years but this season has not been at his best. The midfielder has expressed his desire to stay with his current side but United chiefs have not taken a call on his future as of yet.
