LVG: We can finish third

LOUIS VAN GAAL is aiming for third place after predicting Manchester United’s ability to win the games that matter will propel them into the Champions League. On a day when Old Trafford paid a glowing salute to club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, a champion of young talent, it was fitting that a terrific move involving Tim Fosu-Mensah and Marcus Rashford should set up Anthony Martial to score the goal that secured a hard-fought win over Everton. Van Gaal admitted United did not play well but he was thrilled his players got the job done and remain just a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City. United head to Tottenham next week but they have thrived in the major contests of late. Since the turn of the year they have won at Anfield and the Etihad Stadium, as well as beating Arsenal, and Van Gaal feels they are coming into form at the right time. He said: ‘It was very important to win, otherwise the victory against Manchester City was worthless. We keep in touch with City, one point behind. We keep in touch with Arsenal, five points behind. ‘We have to play Tottenham, not an easy match, but we are playing very well against the top teams. If we continue like that I am very happy. This was not the best form because we were not fresh enough and we had, more or less, three days’ preparation ‘You never know as a manager how players will come back from the international break but we gave them an extra day off. Normally they have to come in the next day but I allowed them to stay with their families. ‘We did not start fresh. Everton were much fresher.’ Van Gaal’s decision to bring on Fosu-Mensah at half-time was crucial. He said: ‘Marcus Rojo had a problem with jet lag, so I changed him and I had seen the space on the right side. ‘I said to Timothy that he had to profit from that and when a player is doing that, that is also a bit of luck for the manager. But every credit is for Timothy, not the manager.’ Roberto Martinez had to contend with the fury of Everton’s fans at the final whistle. His position remains under scrutiny. Asked whether he was aware of the booing that rang out as his players left the pitch, he said: ‘We all are. You can hear our boos in the dressing room. ‘There has been a bit of a change of generation at our club. A lot of players have come in. Incredible young talent needs know-how and lessons and to develop. ‘The frustration is we all see the quality we have in our squad. It was 1984 when we last got into the semi-finals of the two domestic cups.’