Van Gaal Previews United Vs Newcastle

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal spoke to MUTV and the assembled media ahead of the Reds’ Premier League clash with Newcastle on Wednesday...

On Newcastle: Newcastle always play at a very high rhythm, exerting a lot of energy. They want to play football and I like that. Their fans always get behind the team so I’m expecting a very tough game.

Last time out: I remember the fantastic goal Wayne Rooney made after a brilliant counter attack. The referee might have blown for a foul on [Paddy] McNair at our end, but it was from a blocked Newcastle shot during that attack that led to our fantastic goal. I have seen the match again, as always before a match, and I think we played a good match. The 3-1 win was well deserved – we could have scored more, but it is always like that.

On his previous encounters with the Magpies: I took my AZ Alkmaar team to St James' Park in 2007 and we lost 4-2, but we managed to bring the tie level in Alkmaar and go through, so that's a positive memory. I also played against them twice in the 1997/98 Champions League group stage whilst manager of Barcelona.

The race for the top four: You can see that Liverpool have returned to form, just as we came back into the rat race. This all adds up to make it very exciting for the fans.

Injury update: We only have one injury, that is Robin van Persie. It is not a heavy injury, but we will have to wait and see [on the length of his absence]. I think it is also too early for Michael Carrick. He has now trained with us three times, I think, so he would be able to play 20 minutes as a substitute. He has the experience so I can make an exception [of bringing him back quicker], but it is not often I do that.

Selection dilemmas: Every performance of a player gives me food for thought on my selection. That is why I am here, to observe analysis with my staff and make a decision.

New players settling in: It counts for all the players that we have bought; the first season is always difficult. You can see it with every player we have bought: Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Falcao and also Di Maria. For me it is not a big surprise; it would have been a bigger surprise if he had adapted very quickly. In the Netherlands, Spain and Germany I had the same experience with players. We have to give him time as I have already said, not just for Di Maria but to all the other players – we shall wait and see.

On FIFA presidential candidate Michael van Praag: He was my chairman for nine years at Ajax and is also the son of the father who selected me to play for Ajax in the youth academy. I have a very good relationship with him and like him very much. He can do the job, but it shall be very difficult.