Q&A: Van Gaal's Final Post-match Interview

Louis van Gaal gave his view on United's 0-0 draw with Hull, and also provided an injury update on Angel Di Maria and his summer transfer plans in the manager's final post-match interview of the season on MUTV...

Was it difficult to reach a high intensity against Hull?
I think you have seen that very well. It was a special atmosphere - I have never seen fans of a team who are going to be relegated be so supportive until the end. Their fans and the players were very positive, which made it difficult for us to equal their aggression and their motivation. They were fighting for a rescue, but we were fighting for a dream, to finish the season the proper way. That proved to be difficult, as you have seen. But still, we have earned a clean sheet, also with another goalkeeper. At the end, this game was not so important anymore because Newcastle won, which meant everyone had done their sporting duties.

Knowing Victor Valdes so well, you probably weren’t surprised by the fine saves he made…
No, he is very quick and explosive. He is very good on the line, so this game was created for him! [Smiles] But in the first half he let one ball loose and it was a goal, so he was very lucky that it was ruled offside.

Do you have any complaints about the sending off of Marouane Fellaini?
I could not see that from the bench, but I think it was a red card because the player [Paul McShane] needed seven minutes to stand up. He continued after that, so it was not so bad as everybody thought, but it is very stupid for him [Fellaini]. Next season he starts as a substitute [unavailable due to a three-match ban], because he has to sit in the stands suspended. That is very bad for a player and also bad for the manager and the team. It is worse for the individual player, because this season he also started in the stands.

What was the problem with Angel Di Maria who went off injured?
I cannot say [for sure], but I believe he felt something in his hamstring, so he didn’t want to take the risk to continue. I think that is smart, it’s intelligent [from him], but I don’t think it’s very heavy – we will have to wait and see.

Are you expecting your holiday to be busy this year, with ins and outs in the transfer market?
Yes, of course, I go on holiday but I have contact with Ed Woodward every day as he is doing the negotiations. We know now who has to go and which players we want to bring in, but that is a process, so you never know. These things are dependable on different parties - the club, the player and Manchester United of course. It shall be a heavy [busy] holiday! [Smiles]