Van Gaal Reflects On Win Over Watford

Louis van Gaal was delighted to lead Manchester United to a fourth win in just nine days with a 1-0 victory over Watford on Wednesday. Here are the main points from the manager's post-match press conference and interview with MUTV...

On the result

“I am very happy for the players because they have fought until the end, and they knew out on the pitch that our competitors were losing. We wanted to win, you have to win against Watford at home, I think, but it was a difficult game because of the wind. It became a physical game and, when you see the size of our opponents compared to us, it’s very difficult for us. We fought until the end and scored a goal, so I am very happy for them."

Watford's display

“Watford played very well, they pressed very high up and we had difficulty with that. We gave a lot of chances away but, of course, it was because of their pressing, I cannot deny that. We still had our chances and I’m very pleased with this victory – it’s come at the right moment."

Potentially substituting Juan Mata

“It is true, because he was limping at the time. We were in a better moment, so I didn’t want to change him anymore. I had changed the shape with [Anthony] Martial in the striker’s position and [Marcus] Rashford on the right wing. At that time, we were in a better shape, so I didn’t want to change it. Then Juan scored the goal, so I’m very happy I let him stay on."

Recent form

“We have to win also against West Brom, because we have to continue this, and then you’re close again [to the contenders]. Against Arsenal, we played very well, and today was more of a fighting game. Watford were making it very difficult for us, so the victory tastes very good, especially when our competitors have lost.”

Team spirit

“We are fighting. In the fight, we can play fantastic matches against Arsenal, and I believe against Midtjylland we also played very well. The win against Shrewsbury Town was the start of the run of victories; I think the youngsters have given us a lot of spirit, and now when you see the dressing room full of joy with all the players laughing, it’s beautiful to see. I think that shall also accelerate the recovery of the players.”