Van Gaal: Rvp Substitution Was Tactical

Louis van Gaal has revealed his decision to substitute Robin van Persie against Cambridge United on Tuesday night was pre-planned and not due to any injury.

Van Persie saluted the fans and then made his way down the tunnel following his 65th-minute exit from the field. When quizzed by reporters on whether a problem had prompted him to take off his compatriot, van Gaal replied: “I said already [to Robin] at half-time, ‘I shall change after 60-70 minutes because I want you to play against West Ham United.’

"It’s always difficult to play three matches in a week. I have given rest to five players. I think that when we have won, after the match I can say it was a very good decision. I gave van Persie a rest during the match and also Di Maria, and I gave Ashley Young minutes to play because he is back again.”

While van Persie did not mark his 99th United appearance with a goal, his replacement James Wilson managed to find the net shortly after his introduction, during a period when van Gaal was particularly impressed by his players.

“In the second half, I think we played better,” the manager added. “We created many more chances but we didn’t score. Robin van Persie had four possibilities to score, but [on the whole] I am pleased.”