As Manchester United return to Europe’s elite for the first time since early 2014, manager Louis van Gaal has said that he will take a draw from his trip to PSV Eindhoven, a team that has troubled him over the years.
Van Gaal was very close to becoming the PSV manager back in 2012, but chose not to take over the Eredivisie champions at the time. He will be returning to his homeland to take on his former protege Philip Cocu when his Manchester United side take on the Dutch side on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.
Draw a good result – Van Gaal
Van Gaal has not enjoyed too much success when his teams have come to PSVa s Philips Stadion during his career. Speaking ahead of the game, Van Gaal said that a draw would be a good result for United.
The Dutchman was quoted by the Guardian ahead of the game as saying: “A draw away is always a good result but I want to win and the first match is very important to win. But it is also for PSV, so you have to wait and see.
a For me it is a difficult place. I didna t win so much here a difficult ground. When I was Barcelona manager I didna t win here. Neither with Ajax I didna t win so much. I won here with AZ Alkmaar.a
Martial may start, De Gea to continue first team role
Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of the tie and new signing Anthony Martial may get his first start after scoring on his debut against Liverpool FC.
Urging the supporters to be patient with the Frenchman, he said: a His impression is good. Ita s the same as for Memphis [Depay] you have to give him time. You cannot change the market price.”
When asked if he will rotate his goalkeepers between competitions, van Gaal said: a I am not a supporter of that. I always play with my best team.a
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As such, De Gea should retain his place in the Manchester United starting XI for Tuesday’s Group B clash.