WITH 13 POINTS from 10 games played, Manchester United’s season has not gone according to plan. Though there is grounds for optimism, the club has already lost three games and drawn four and it’s left manager Louis van Gaal annoyed and disappointed.
It’s not good enough. I’m feeling lousy for everyone that we have 13 points from 10 games. I feel for the fans and also the board because they have belief in me, my staff and my players. 13 points from 10 matches, you are not doing well, but we are in a process.”
Against Manchester City last weekend, United’s defensive problems grew substantially worse with Chris Smalling sent-off and Marcos Rojo stretchered off. At his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Crystal Palace, van Gaal confirmed that the Argentine is set for a prolonged spell in the treatment room.
“Marcos dislocated his shoulder but in a positive way – we don’t need to operate on him. It’s a relief but maybe with this injury it’s very difficult to prevent it from happening again. That is the problem. He saw a specialist yesterday evening who said the conservative way to heal it is best. For him it was positive. Always with these injuries, I cannot change that. The human body has been made by God – not by me. Conservatively, it can be less than six weeks. If we have to operate – 12 weeks.”
Van Gaal must decide the make-up of his back-four but there aren’t many potential candidates. Rafael still isn’t fit to return after missing the derby because of a knock so Antonio Valencia should keep his place while Luke Shaw will start at left-back once again.
In the middle, it seems likely that Michael Carrick will continue to get the nod given his experience of the position. With Tyler Blackett not included in the squad to face City and Tom Thorpe only getting a couple of minutes against West Ham at the end of September, it would appear Paddy McNair will make his third start of the season.
Van Gaal has been left irritated by the relentless injury problems though he’s reluctant to talk repeatedly about it.
When I want to select the same line-up, I cannot. It’s the same every week. It is like it is and I don’t want to complain or cry because I have great belief in the players, myself and my staff. Also the supporters who are supporting us despite the results.”
Radamel Falcao is also unavailable for selection due to an on-going calf problem.
