Van Gaal Praises Fighting Spirit At Palace

Louis van Gaal was delighted by Manchester United’s fighting spirit during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, which boosted hopes of securing Champions League qualification.

The Reds took a 19th-minute lead at Selhurst Park when Juan Mata calmly finished from the penalty spot but suffered a setback when Luke Shaw was substituted through injury, before Wayne Rooney was also forced off at half-time with a dead leg.

Things got worse in the second half when Jason Puncheon equalised with a deflected free-kick, but United crucially stuck together and secured victory when Ashley Young’s cross was headed home by Marouane Fellaini with just 12 minutes left to play.

Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle, van Gaal paid tribute to his battling players. “It was very important, massively important,” the boss explained. "It is a difficult ground to beat Crystal Palace on, a lot of teams lose here and especially the top teams.

"I am very happy. The pitch was not so good, the ball was not rolling well and we had to fight for every metre. The players did that and it was very good to see how we have played like a team and fought to the end for each other.”

Although van Gaal is always reluctant to highlight individuals, the Dutchman could not help but salute the performances of Young and David De Gea, particularly after the latter produced a world-class save to repel Glenn Murray’s close-range effort.

“Ashley played a very good match and, normally, I don’t want to say anything about individual performances but he was very strong,” van Gaal admitted.

“He got two assists but also he created more chances. David De Gea also made a remarkable save at the right time that helped us a lot.”

The boss also confirmed Mata is now United’s first-choice penalty taker, after the Spaniard stepped to convert from 12 yards against Palace. Crucially, he got his chance after recent misses from Rooney against Liverpool and Robin van Persie versus West Brom.

“Juan was third [in the list of takers] after Rooney and van Persie and now he is first because Rooney and van Persie missed their penalties.”

Attention will now turn to Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday, when a Blues victory would guarantee Champions League qualification for United. The boss is confident his friend Jose Mourinho will do the job, saying: “He shall do that; he shall do that!”