Louis van Gaal’s was in a tetchy mood during his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League qualifier.
Manchester United host Club Brugge in the first of two games of huge importance at Old Trafford. Win and van Gaal’s side are through to the group stages and a chance to pit themselves against Europe’s best. Lose and the consequences on and off the pitch could be dire.
The United manager admitted that tomorrow’s home game is “of course” the most important of his tenure so far and it seems the pressure was starting to tell on the man who won the competition in 1995.
Asked whether a tactical shift might help misfiring striker and captain Wayne Rooney van Gaal responded: “All the media has written for one year that I have to put him in the striker’s position, so it’s amazing that after two games you’re doubting your own opinions, I cannot understand that. I have always confidence in my players.”
The manager faced similar questions about playmaker Juan Mata, who struggled when deployed on the right of an attacking midfield trio against Aston Villa, the manager was similarly loath to discuss tactical specifics.
“Maybe ask the United board if you can be the trainer-coach. Then… discuss it with your staff,” he said.
“At a club like ours, no-one has a fixed place in the XI. Every player knows it and because of that we have a good team spirit.”
However van Gaal was able to share some good news with United fans in the press conference, confirming that he would consider Marouane Fellaini for his side. The Belgian midfielder is currently serving a league suspension after a straight red against Hull City in the final game of the season.
That means that United are missing just Phil Jones from their first team squad, the defender still being out with an illness.
