AdeLaNa1:
Smalling was clearly the happiest of the bunch....

he has to be ooo because he knows very that he almost cost united the final, but in all, he has been amazing this season.

Nice game 2day eventhough LVG wanted to spoil it with his late sub but den #davesaves. Unto d next one.

chrisley024:
And next is Blind, maybe even on par with Smalling. Dude has surprisingly done decent job for the club this season. Let's not be biased due to his stature, it is not his making.

He has also cost us many times. He only has been good this last two months. But I didn't miss him when Mensah stood in for him twice.

Reflections on the match
It’s fantastic when you see the joy in the eyes of the players. But also for the fans, because I think we deserved to reach the final. We were the better team in the first half and had so many chances - we could have finished it much earlier. It was an exciting game for the neutral fans and we are lucky that we scored in the last minute, but we deserved to win. I told [Chris] Smalling he was a lucky guy because now we can smile! He played a very good match. Both teams showed a lot of passion and will to win, so I’m very happy that we were the winners.

Pressure of a semi-final
I think the pressure was also for Everton. I think tomorrow when you see the other semi-final, the pressure is very high for every player because every player wants to play in the final, so it is always in my eyes the same. It is not different.

On matchwinner Anthony Martial
He could have scored in the first half when he was in the same situation, so I told him at half-time to shoot low into the corner – and he did that! It was a fantastic finish. I think he can do much better [in the future] because I see a lot of things that he can still improve and he shall improve. Only by training and by playing can you improve. Also, when you are playing at a higher level then you improve. When you are older you know all the things shall happen again. Then you have experience and you can decide much better in the same situation as before.

Can Martial become like Cole or van Nistelrooy?
I don't think that he is a striker; he is more of a wing player, but maybe in the future. But I don't think so - he is a different type of player to van Nistelrooy and the other examples of United strikers.

On goalscorer Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini is a player who wants to perform what we have agreed and I like that. He is also good with his head at set-plays – both for and against us – because we have a small team and he can help us.

On David De Gea
Yesterday we had an exercise with penalties. 20 penalties we have taken - Sergio Romero saved one and David De Gea zero. But today was the most important!

Will Wayne Rooney stay in midfield?
It is dependable on where my players continue. I have explained it also last week. At this moment I think that [Marcus] Rashford does a very good job in the striker's positon and now Wayne can contribute to the team more in midfield. I have seen today a great Wayne in midfield. It is not the first time he has played in midfield. Last year he also played in midfield, then your colleagues said he should play in the strikers' position. Maybe you remember that?

Prospect of an FA Cup final
I like it very much because as a player, manager and staff member, you do everything to win a title and we are very close now.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2016/Apr/manager-reaction-louis-van-gaal-gives-his-thoughts-on-uniteds-fa-cup-semi-final-against-everton.aspx?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ManUtd

elampiro:


He has also cost us many times. He only has been good this last two months. But I didn't miss him when Mensah stood in for him twice.

Last two months

After DDG and Smalling.... Blind has been the most consistent player for United this season. We need to cut the dude some slack jare, his ability to play out of defence and his intelligence on the ball have been huge for United.

Our season have been messed up mainly because of LVG, LVG's gamble on Memphis thinking he was gonna hit the ground running and the crazy injuries we had between November and January.

Barca had three penalties after denying Gijon a penalty

And some people will start telling me they aren't Uefalona.

Elxandre:
Barca had three penalties after denying Gijon a penalty

And some people will start telling me they aren't Uefalona.

Wetin concern United and Barca sir?

Na for Barca thread you suppose post this kind thing na...lolz

olabode89:


Last two months

After DDG and Smalling.... Blind has been the most consistent player for United this season. We need to cut the dude some slack jare, his ability to play out of defence and his intelligence on the ball have been huge for United.

Our season have been messed up mainly because of LVG, LVG's gamble on Memphis thinking he was gonna hit the ground running and the crazy injuries we had between November and January.

How can Blind be better than Martial. However, due to his availability, I could agree he has done well.

His lack of aerial prowess has caused us so much pressure and we conceded many goals from set plays. It's because of him Gaal usually played Fellaini when Rojo and other defenders were injured. Twice we substituted Fellaini on 80+ mins , we conceded late goals. One of the matches against Southampton. He has been outpaced many times, sometimes DDG would come to the rescue.

He looks good because we are forced to play deep because of him, and Schneirderlin and Rojo protect him with their physical presence. Sometimes Carrick or Schweinsteiger act as a third central defender. He has his passing and ball control qualities, no doubt. But are these the first qualities of a defender? Vidic never knew how to pass out the ball from defence.

olabode89:


Wetin concern United and Barca sir?

Na for Barca thread you suppose post this kind thing na...lolz

Lol... I no wan fight for now

I will catch them when they finally draw a game and lose the league

elampiro:
Reflections on the match
It’s fantastic when you see the joy in the eyes of the players. But also for the fans, because I think we deserved to reach the final. We were the better team in the first half and had so many chances - we could have finished it much earlier. It was an exciting game for the neutral fans and we are lucky that we scored in the last minute, but we deserved to win. I told [Chris] Smalling he was a lucky guy because now we can smile! He played a very good match. Both teams showed a lot of passion and will to win, so I’m very happy that we were the winners.

Pressure of a semi-final
I think the pressure was also for Everton. I think tomorrow when you see the other semi-final, the pressure is very high for every player because every player wants to play in the final, so it is always in my eyes the same. It is not different.

On matchwinner Anthony Martial
He could have scored in the first half when he was in the same situation, so I told him at half-time to shoot low into the corner – and he did that! It was a fantastic finish. I think he can do much better [in the future] because I see a lot of things that he can still improve and he shall improve. Only by training and by playing can you improve. Also, when you are playing at a higher level then you improve. When you are older you know all the things shall happen again. Then you have experience and you can decide much better in the same situation as before.

Can Martial become like Cole or van Nistelrooy?
I don't think that he is a striker; he is more of a wing player, but maybe in the future. But I don't think so - he is a different type of player to van Nistelrooy and the other examples of United strikers.

On goalscorer Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini is a player who wants to perform what we have agreed and I like that. He is also good with his head at set-plays – both for and against us – because we have a small team and he can help us.

On David De Gea
Yesterday we had an exercise with penalties. 20 penalties we have taken - Sergio Romero saved one and David De Gea zero. But today was the most important!

Will Wayne Rooney stay in midfield?
It is dependable on where my players continue. I have explained it also last week. At this moment I think that [Marcus] Rashford does a very good job in the striker's positon and now Wayne can contribute to the team more in midfield. I have seen today a great Wayne in midfield. It is not the first time he has played in midfield. Last year he also played in midfield, then your colleagues said he should play in the strikers' position. Maybe you remember that?

Prospect of an FA Cup final
I like it very much because as a player, manager and staff member, you do everything to win a title and we are very close now.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2016/Apr/manager-reaction-louis-van-gaal-gives-his-thoughts-on-uniteds-fa-cup-semi-final-against-everton.aspx?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ManUtd

I know that most United fans can't wait to see LvG leave the club. I have a weird feeling that he is the right man for the job and with the right signings and freedom for players to instinctively and not like robots, LVG can go all the way.

We need a manager that can play the likes of Rashford, Martial, Varela, Januzaj, Fosu-Mensah and Pereira comfortably and frequently. LVG has to make some important decisions regarding the likes of Mata, Teiger, Wazza and Carrick. We need to shed some passengers for next season.

Lastly, he must ensure that he does not over-trim the squad like he did this season. We need a top striker in his peak as our main CF and Rashford as no 2 striker. Martial for me plays best as a left winger. There is also the curious case of Mr. Merefish Dedebt! Martial is a better LW....LVG needs to come up with a plan and what to do concerning Memphis.

elampiro:


How can Blind be better than Martial. However, due to his availability, I could agree he has done well.

His lack of aerial prowess has caused us so much pressure and we conceded many goals from set plays. It's because of him Gaal usually played Fellaini when Rojo and other defenders were injured. Twice we substituted Fellaini on 80+ mins , we conceded late goals. One of the matches against Southampton. He has been outpaced many times, sometimes DDG would come to the rescue.

He looks good because we are forced to play deep because of him, and Schneirderlin and Rojo protect him with their physical presence. Sometimes Carrick or Schweinsteiger act as a third central defender. He has his passing and ball control qualities, no doubt. But are these the first qualities of a defender? Vidic never knew how to pass out the ball from defence.

Bro, I understand your point of view. But we need to also need to consider that defending of set plays is the responsibility of the team as a unit and not just the CBs. Players such as Dr. DD Drogba was a valuable asset to his team when defending set plays. Wazza does a similar job at United. I can remember on more than 2 occasions where Blind was the culprit of a set play that led to a goal we conceded. I can also remember some that were the direct fault of Smalling.

Elxandre:

Lol... I no wan fight for now

I will catch them when they finally draw a game and lose the league

Hahahahaha bad man!

Free Barca jare... I assume that you are a United fan... we have no right or business trolling Barca at the moment.

olabode89:


I know that most United fans can't wait to see LvG leave the club. I have a weird feeling that he is the right man for the job and with the right signings and freedom for players to instinctively and not like robots, LVG can go all the way.

We need a manager that can play the likes of Rashford, Martial, Varela, Januzaj, Fosu-Mensah and Pereira comfortably and frequently. LVG has to make some important decisions regarding the likes of Mata, Teiger, Wazza and Carrick. We need to shed some passengers for next season.

Lastly, he must ensure that he does not over-trim the squad like he did this season. We need a top striker in his peak as our main CF and Rashford as no 2 striker. Martial for me plays best as a left winger. There is also the curious case of Mr. Merefish Dedebt! Martial is a better LW....LVG needs to come up with a plan and what to do concerning Memphis.

We need all our players next season. We need just 3-4 experienced signings in addition to what we have.

Those kids can't win league. We saw them when they went to play Europa. And some strong league matches. Watford could have been up 3-0 at half time. In some matches we never had the quality to get going.

olabode89:



Hahahahaha bad man!

Free Barca jare... I assume that you are a United fan... we have no right or business trolling Barca at the moment.

We actually might.

If we miraculously make Top 4 and win the premier league while Barca goes unexpectedly trophyless......

I reserve my words

elampiro:


We need all our players next season. We need just 3-4 experienced signings in addition to what we have.

Those kids can't win league. We saw them when they went to play Europa. And some strong league matches. Watford could have been up 3-0 at half time. In some matches we never had the quality to get going.

Exactly!

For me o.... we need a Tier 1 CF and a solid box to box midfielder. I believe if Jones can be fit regularly we don't need to splash cash on a CB.

My major problem is with pretenders like Mata and Memphis.

Elxandre:

We actually might.

If we miraculously make Top 4 and win the premier league while Barca goes unexpectedly trophyless......

I reserve my words

You mean FA Cup..

Lolz.... I banish the pseudo Arsenal top 4 spirit that is about to possess you IJN.

olabode89:


Bro, I understand your point of view. But we need to also need to consider that defending of set plays is the responsibility of the team as a unit and not just the CBs. Players such as Dr. DD Drogba was a valuable asset to his team when defending set plays. Wazza does a similar job at United. I can remember on more than 2 occasions where Blind was the culprit of a set play that led to a goal we conceded. I can also remember some that were the direct fault of Smalling.

It's the principal responsibility of the two centre backs to defend set plays. Then the four defenders together before others with aerial abilities. Remember we could also have crossing coming in from open play. This is EPL. Remember too how we conceded two goals from crossing against PSV in our first UCL game.

Blind also lacks pace which makes others to be on the look at for him always. We play deep because of him, and then invite pressure.

When we had Vidic+Ferdinand or Brown in our CB in 2006-2009 we hardly conceded from set play. Vidic would count steps far off to head out an aerial ball not even droping to his zone. Ferdinand also did that in a lesser degree. If it’s too close to the goal, it's a bonus to VDS. Even when we played short Evra and Rafael, we didn't have problems. But today we have full backs covering for CBs.

Look at Chelsea, Terry+Cahill/Zouma/Ivanovic, very powerful in the air. Look at Madrid. Pepe+Ramos.

olabode89:


Exactly!

For me o.... we need a Tier 1 CF and a solid box to box midfielder. I believe if Jones can be fit regularly we don't need to splash cash on a CB.

My major problem is with pretenders like Mata and Memphis.

SAF kind of said we shouldn't write off Mephis.

We are okay in the CB. Smalling, Jones, Blind, Mensah, McNair.

Players I am mostly not satisfied with as not up to United quality:
Darmian
Carrick.... Old age.
Ashley Young.... When not playing from the left.

elampiro:


It's the principal responsibility of the two centre banks to defend set plays. Then the four defenders together before others with aerial abilities. Remember we could also have crossing coming in from open play. This is EPL. Remember too how we conceded two goals from crossing against PSV in our first UCL game.

Blind also lack pace which makes others to be on the look at for him always. We play deep because of him, and then invite pressure.

When we had Vidic+Ferdinand or Brown in our CB in 2006-2009 we hardly conceded from set play. Vidic would count steps far off to head out an aerial ball not even droping to his zone. Ferdinand also did that in a lesser degree. If it’s too close to the goal, it's a bonus to VDS. Even when we played short Evra and Rafael, we didn't have problems. But today we have full backs covering for CBs.

Look at Chelsea, Terry+Cahill/Zouma/Ivanovic, very powerful in the air. Look at Madrid. Pepe+Ramos.

I get you bro... We are saying the same thing. Blind's lack of aerial prowess is being exposed mainly because we lack good height in other areas of the team and that is the chief reason why LVG has to play Fellaini against some teams.

I feel Blind should be a squad player because his lack of pace will also expose him as a LB or CM/DM but his on the ball intelligence can be an asset on the field of play. Therefore there is a need for some tradeoffs.

PS... Evra short but the ninja get above average aerial prowess.

elampiro:


SAF kind of said we shouldn't write off Mephis.

We are okay in the CB. Smalling, Jones, Blind, Mensah, McNair.

Players I am mostly not satisfied with as not up to United quality:
Darmian
Carrick.... Old age.
Ashley Young.... When not playing from the left.

But I don't think Memphis can take the LW position from Martial.

What about

Mata (too slow as a RW... has been ineffective as an AM)
TIEGER.... passenger all through the season
Herrera .... Mr. Hot and cold

olabode89:


I get you bro... We are saying the same thing. Blind's lack of aerial prowess is being exposed mainly because we lack good height in other areas of the team and that is the chief reason why LVG has to play Fellaini against some teams.

I feel Blind should be a squad player because his lack of pace will also expose him as a LB or CM/DM but his on the ball intelligence can be an asset on the field of play. Therefore there is a need for some tradeoffs.

PS... Evra short but the ninja get above average aerial prowess.

Blind is a good LB. But the problem is we have Luke Shaw who is better. Rojo is also contesting that position.

If everyone is fit, the house is even too full. Despite this we need 3-4 quality signings to be able to run next season smoothly. We need a squad of at least 30 senior players. Mensah and Rashford are already senior players.

elampiro:


Blind is a good LB. But the problem is we have Luke Shaw who is better. Rojo is also contesting that position.

If everyone is fit, the house is even too full. Despite this we need 3-4 quality signings to be able to run next season smoothly. We need a squad of at least 30 senior players. Mensah and Rashford are already senior players.

What positions do you think we need the 3-4 signings ?

As a LB Blind will be exposed by them EPL speed merchants and "jam body" wingers such as Westham's Antonio...

olabode89:


But I don't think Memphis can take the LW position from Martial.

What about

Mata (too slow as a RW... has been ineffective as an AM)
TIEGER.... passenger all through the season
Herrera .... Mr. Hot and cold

We need them until end of next season when the team would have taken a better shape.

Mephis can't displace Martial. But we need to see if he steps up next season. May be one of them can be converted to a striker. Remember too, there might be injuries.

Tiger is old. If he cannot offer more than he did this season, I don't see him staying long.

olabode89:


What positions do you think we need the 3-4 signings ?

As a LB Blind will be exposed by them EPL speed merchants and "jam body" wingers such as Westham's Antonio...

Right wing
Midfield
May be a striker.

elampiro:


Right wing
Midfield
May be a striker.

With does 3 signings what will become of Mata, Januzaj and Lingard. One of dem will have to be leave the club with respect to getting a new Right winger.

I think Carrick is more useful to United than Tieger at the moment, so he should be the victim of the introduction of a new midfielder.

If we are to add a new CF he should be at least a Tier 2 CF.

olabode89:


With does 3 signings what will become of Mata, Januzaj and Lingard. One of dem will have to be leave the club with respect to getting a new Right winger.

I think Carrick is more useful to United than Tieger at the moment, so he should be the victim of the introduction of a new midfielder.

If we are to add a new CF he should be at least a Tier 2 CF.

Lingard should be a back up winger next season. Januzaj might hit form. Mata plays two positions, there is need to keep him incase the new player flop. We can sell surplus players in January.

Remember, the squad looks big until the injuries start. We should have a quality bench.

We need at least a CB,RW, 1 or 2 CMs and a CF. That way Rashford, Lingard, Adnan,Memphis and Perreira can be our options off the bench while we offload Mata, Teiger and Carrick in January if the new players do well.

Leyqute:


It's not out of our hands. It might be very tough but it's not impossible.

It is.

City and Arsenal have to drop points for us to have a chance.

olabode89:


I know that most United fans can't wait to see LvG leave the club. I have a weird feeling that he is the right man for the job and with the right signings and freedom for players to instinctively and not like robots, LVG can go all the way.

We need a manager that can play the likes of Rashford, Martial, Varela, Januzaj, Fosu-Mensah and Pereira comfortably and frequently. LVG has to make some important decisions regarding the likes of Mata, Teiger, Wazza and Carrick. We need to shed some passengers for next season.

Lastly, he must ensure that he does not over-trim the squad like he did this season. We need a top striker in his peak as our main CF and Rashford as no 2 striker. Martial for me plays best as a left winger. There is also the curious case of Mr. Merefish Dedebt! Martial is a better LW....LVG needs to come up with a plan and what to do concerning Memphis.

Going to say that we should keep Carrick for his passing ability. He's clearly the best passer we have. Someone has attributed part of our struggles to our inability to find a replacement for him and I think that is an apt view.

SailorXY:

I think Mazi has a point tho.
With every passing trophyless season come more desperation both from the fans & directors. The pressure could have a negative effect on the players, especially young ones or new signings.

Martial & Rashford may well emerge next season on the back of an FA Cup win, fully aware of their contributions in no small part to such conquest. We can't play down the use of confidence & it's rub off effect on other young lads in the squad now the institution is searching for any form of bearing to steady the rocked ship.

If both lads can stand up to the task & deservedly displace the senior members of the squad with a trophy to show for their efforts, I expect their mates like Memphis, Pereira or Januzaj to be challenged as well. Not forgetting the defenders from academy too.

That's one way to look at it.

I'm just saying that given the money spent in the summer, winning the FA Cup won't paper over the cracks especially since we've had a season to forget.

The young lads may get a rub off it but I'm sure that if van Gaal stays there won't be much cause for optimism.

Eastbay:

That's one way to look at it.

I'm just saying that given the money spent in the summer, winning the FA Cup won't paper over the cracks especially since we've had a season to forget.

The young lads may get a rub off it but I'm sure that if van Gaal stays there won't be much cause for optimism.

ronaldo and rooney's successful era started with a carling cup trophy after a barren year...history sure has a way of repeating itself