Manchester United overcame a tricky AS Roma side 3-2 last night, but the result should’ve been much more comfortable after Louis van Gaal’s men had a 3-0 lead at half-time. The performance wasn’t anywhere near the standard of the 7-0 demolition of the LA Galaxy, and Louis van Gaal was quite critical – particularly towards the midfield.
In the second half the lads couldn’t string a pass together, and Louis van Gaal said:
“I think we don’t play a good match, all my good passers failed today. I think it was because of the height and the air.
Van Gaal added: “Mata, (Ander) Herrera and (Shinji) Kagawa these are the best passers (at the club), and everything went wrong. In the second half we forgot to keep the ball. When you are 3-0 ahead the only thing you have to do is keep the ball in possession and the opponent has to run and run and run. We forgot to do that. We brought Roma by ourselves back into the match so I am pleased we have won, but it was not good.”
It was interesting that Van Gaal singled out names who he wasn’t impressed with, but no doubt he’ll be telling them how to improve on that ahead of the next game. His man-management skills are second to none and Van Gaal will know exactly how to handle his players.
Ben Amos felt the brunt of Van Gaal’s unhappiness, after letting Miralem Pjanic score from way inside his own half:
“What do you think? I am nearly 63.” Van Gaal added. “When the ball is flying in the air for four seconds, I think I run 50 metres.”
There was praise for Wayne Rooney though, who finished the game with two goals and an assist:
“The pass of Rooney to Mata was unbelievable,” Van Gaal said.
Next up is a potential reunion with former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic and his Inter Milan side. The game will take place at 00:30 on Wednesday 30th July GMT.
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