Manchester United maintained their 100% pre-season winning form and recorded a 3-1 win over Barcelona. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj secured the match, in what was an entertaining encounter.
Speaking on ManUtd.com, United boss Louis van Gaal gave his verdict on the game and shed light on some arising news. He also had plenty of praise for United’s players.
[All of the following quotes are sourced directly from ManUtd.com]
On Manchester United’s win, the Dutchman had this to say:
“The balance of the team is the most important thing. Last year we won against the Champions League winner, it was Real [Madrid] at that time. Now we win against Barcelona so it is possible, but we also had a bit of luck. Three balls hit the post but I was pleased with our performance. Also in the second half, when the youngsters came in, you saw a spirit. We had the same amount of chances as Barcelona and that I like the most today.”
On David De Gea:
“You have seen him in the first 60 minutes, in spite of his injury, he didn’t train for a week, that he can show his quality already in this game. He has showed his quality I think because the first chance was for Barcelona and when you stop the first chance then you can score the first goal. That is always the difference in the game. Yes, of course, I do hope that De Gea shall stay but in this world of football you never know.”
On new signing Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney linking up:
“Yes I think they try to do their utmost best to look for each other and sometimes I think too much. It should be better when we have a wider orientation, but I think they were always a threat and that is very important. I think Barcelona could not cope with the threat of Depay and Rooney, but I have to say that Adnan Januzaj was also a big threat for them in the 30 minutes that he played as a striker. That is good to see.”
On United’s youngsters:
“Yes I was very happy with the reaction of the youngsters because they were more aggressive and that I always want. They were defending more, going forwards and, okay, sometimes you make the wrong choices and you are always the loser, but that is also useful. But it was a team with the spirit. We created chances and we scored two goals with the youngsters so I am very happy.”
On Adnan Januzaj:
“I think that Adnan Januzaj was very good because he always gives an option for his midfielders and defenders. He scored a wonderful goal and I think that is always important. He had to fight with two defenders and he did well. But it was more easy for him against the defence without Pique.”
On the possibility of Bastian Schweinsteiger playing against Tottenham on the first day of the new season:
“That I do not know because he has to prove himself. Every player has to prove himself and also Bastian Schweinsteiger. He shall play against Paris Saint-Germain I expect. Let us hope that he convinces me!”
On United’s South American stars; Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez joining the tour:
“I have heard that Di Maria is not on the plane so I cannot say anything. He was not on the plane, and Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He has passport issues, that I do know. But Di Maria, I do not know why. Chicharito is here.”