Van Gaal Proud Of Borthwick-Jackson

Louis van Gaal was “proud” of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson’s performance during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday – despite the promising Academy graduate playing an unfortunate role in Diego Costa’s 91st-minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge.

Borthwick-Jackson registered his 10th senior appearance for the club in the continued absence of injured left-backs Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and the versatile Ashley Young, showing admirable composure and defensive diligence on the flank behind the equally impressive Anthony Martial.

Unfortunately, following Jesse Lingard’s superb opening goal, the 19-year-old was partially culpable for Costa’s added-time riposte after he inadvertently played the Spain international onside as centre-back Daley Blind broke rank from the defensive line to close down the advancing John Terry. Costa duly met Cesc Fabregas’s deft pass to round David De Gea and finish into an empty net with aplomb.

Van Gaal admitted it was an "unfortunate" moment for Borthwick-Jackson but praised the youngster's display during his post-match interview with MUTV, when asked about any positives he can dissect.

"We continued with our good, attacking football," the manager said. "We have created a lot of chances here at Chelsea. It's a nasty away game, I think, and one that's not so easy. The last few years Manchester United haven't won here so it's not an easy match – and we took the lead with a fantastic goal. A fantastic cross also. Then you can control the game, but in the last quarter we gave it away.

"There are many details which are responsible for that. We had a lot of free-kicks around the penalty area against us and we survived. Chelsea have very good set-plays and they have scored a lot from set-plays, so we were well organised. But then we have a goal like that – Daley Blind slipping and Borthwick-Jackson not taking the line of the defence. Costa is not offside because of that.

"It was such a pity because Borthwick-Jackson was playing fantastically and I was very proud of him. It was a superb performance until the last quarter. It’s sad for the fans also. This match you heard only the Manchester United fans and not the Chelsea fans."

FANS PRAISE BORTHWICK-JACKSON ON FACEBOOK

D'Arcy McKinney: "I don't blame Borthwick-Jackson, he had a good game. Unlucky for us but we played well. He has a bright future if he keeps this up, good to see United youth showing their class."

Soorma Singh: "He has amazing crosses!"

Dominic Neo: "His deliveries were swift from the left flank. It was sad he was caught standing out of the defensive line. He's a promising young lad."

Billy Murphy: "You can't blame Borthwick-Jackson – he was only trying to get back!"

Lumkile Tyesi: "For a third-choice left-back, Borthwick-Jackson had an excellent game. He tackles neatly, he's a decent crosser of the ball and gives us a good offense down the left. Hopefully he's as comfortable on the right side for when Rojo and Shaw come back."