Louis van Gaal can’t wait to taste sweet success with Manchester United after they toppled the Toffees at Old Trafford.
United’s 2-1 victory over Everton was their third win in their last four games – but the Dutchman still thinks his side need to improve.
Van Gaal is targeting a top-three finish this season and, with his summer recruits beginning to settle at Old Trafford, he believes there is much more to come from the 20-times league champions.
“I told my players: ‘We are not playing well but we are fourth in the table – so what will happen when we do play well?'” the Dutchman told the BBC.
“We played well for one half, but we have to do it for 90 minutes. When we have the ball we have to keep the ball and we didn’t do that.
“So that’s why in the second half it was very difficult for the fans, for the players, for the substitutes, but also for the manager!”
The former Netherlands boss will be without the majority of his first-team squad over the international break but is well aware that work needs to be done upon their return.
David De Gea, who saved a first-half penalty, had to be in inspired form to give United all three points – he made a series of exceptional late saves to deny Everton a late equaliser at Old Trafford.
“When you stop a penalty and then in the dying seconds you make three saves, you are great,” the manager said.
“David De Gea was fantastic today. When there are a lot of players in front of your view it is not good as a goalkeeper.
“When the shot comes in from outside the box it is always at the last moment that you see the ball, but his reflexes are very good.”
Radamel Falcao’s first goal for the club proved decisive and Van Gaal is pleased the Colombian has opened his United account.
“I talked with Falcao, he needed that goal and I told him that he was forcing himself too much to score,” said the 63-year-old.
“He is a player who is used to scoring in every match, but now he has had to wait to score.
“Now he has [scored], it will be better [easier for Falcao] after the international break.”
West Brom will be the first to encounter the off-the-mark striker after the break before leaders Chelsea make their way to Old Trafford to provide Van Gaal’s side with their biggest test yet.
Image courtesy of BT Sport via YouTube with thanks
