Swansea win can be a fantastic start for United: Coach van Gaal

Van Gaal may say he enjoys the backing of the United board, and has backtracked on previous comments that he could quit as manager, but there might be no way back if Swansea leaves Old Trafford with three points. “But we also need a little bit of luck”, Van Gaal was quoted as saying by goal.com. I do not believe too much in competition.

“I am always demanding he makes runs to the first post. We were lucky it was wide of our goal because it was a very good header and he was free”. That is why I am proud they can do it under this pressure. He has now scored 51 goals in 109 caps.

“You can not predict (what effect a win will have)”.

Elsewhere, England Under-19s striker Adam Armstrong further cemented his place at the top of the goalscoring chart in League One after netting a hat-trick for Coventry City in their 5-0 win at Crewe Alexandra.

“We’ve started the new year very well. It was a sublime finish from Wayne Rooney for his goal”.

Van Gaal also reserved special praise for wingers Ashley Young and Martial, who caused persistent problems for the visitors. “It has nothing to do with the fact I left him out – that’s because he has played every game and sometimes he also needs rest”.

“He was fantastic, got the goal obviously and set up Wayne’s one as well”.

Van Gaal revealed the system – a change from the back four he used in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea – was devised after conversations with his players.

The Red Devils have been lambasted in the press and by their own fans for a host of abject offensive displays this term, with goals hard to come by for the historic club.

The United captain’s third league goal of the season took him past Denis Law to 238 goals – behind only Bobby Charlton’s club record of of 249 – and Van Gaal hopes a first home victory since 7 November will trigger an improved run for both Rooney and his side.

Jaun Mata had a chance to break the deadlock for United in the 40th minute, as the Spaniard collected a pass from Ashley Young before forcing Fabianski into a low save.

Like so many times in the past, Wayne Rooney, would be the hero for Manchester United, finding the back of the net in the 77th minute to give his side a 2-1 lead.

“But for me it’s more important that he scores now and he scored today”.

United have now failed to score in the first half of their last nine home matches.

“I am very happy for the players because they had to play under big pressure and now we have won”, he declared.