Manchester United travel to face Newcastle United on Wednesday and Louis Van Gaal revealed that he is expecting a very tough game.
Manchester United travel to St. Jamesa Park on Wednesday for the mid-week Premier League game against Newcastle United. The game is a must-win for the a Red Devilsa as they look to strengthen their position in the top four of the league.
Speaking to the press, ahead of the game, Van Gaal praised the Magpiesa high energy playing style and also said that he is expecting a very tough fixture.
a Newcastle always play at a very high rhythm, exerting a lot of energy. They want to play football and I like that. Their fans always get behind the team so Ia m expecting a very tough game.a he said.
He also spoke about the last time the two teams met each other and asserted that the 3-1 victory for Manchester United at Old Trafford was a well-deserved result.
a I remember the fantastic goal Wayne Rooney made after a brilliant counter attack. The referee might have blown for a foul on [Paddy] McNair at our end, but it was from a blocked Newcastle shot during that attack that led to our fantastic goal. I have seen the match again, as always before a match, and I think we played a good match. The 3-1 win was well deserved a we could have scored more, but it is always like that.a
Manchester United, who are competing fiercely for a spot in the top-four of the league with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton, are currently placed fourth on the league table with 50 points. They are only a point behind the third place and two points ahead of fifth placed Liverpool. Manchester United must win the game against Newcastle in order to remain in the top four this week.
Speaking about the top four battle, Van Gaal said, a You can see that Liverpool have returned to form, just as we came back into the rat race. This all adds up to make it very exciting for the fans.a
The manager also spoke about new players finding it difficult to settle in the Premier League and said that all the new signings, including Di Maria, should be given some more time to prove their mettle.
He said, a It counts for all the players that we have bought; the first season is always difficult. You can see it with every player we have bought: Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Falcao and also Di Maria. For me it is not a big surprise; it would have been a bigger surprise if he had adapted very quickly. In the Netherlands, Spain and Germany I had the same experience with players. We have to give him time as I have already said, not just for Di Maria but to all the other players a we shall wait and see.a