Manchester United have picked up some momentum and confidence after beating Bournemouth at home in the final game of the Premier League season as they now look forward to taking on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
The match was played in front of a half capacity Old Trafford stadium, after the match was cancelled two days ago in light of a ‘bomb scare’. Many fans couldn’t make it back and the atmosphere was quite dull. However, this didn’t stop United from putting up a fine display of attacking football, with captain Wayne Rooney getting a goal, assist and playing a part in another.
Rooney’s opening goal was his 100th Premier League goal at Old Trafford. He was only the second player to achieve such a feat, alongside Thierry Henry from his time at Highbury. Rashford justified his inclusion the England Euro squad in fine fashion, by getting his name on the score sheet with a strong, low finish through the legs of two defenders. Ashley Young came on late in the game and scored one as well.
But it didn’t end well for David De Gea. With only a few minutes left, Chris Smalling scored an own goal to end the goalkeeper’s chances of winning the Golden Glove and in the process, losing it to Petr Cech of Arsenal.
Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal
Speaking after the match, Van Gaal said the season should be judged after the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. He said, “We didn’t reach our aim. We have to qualify for the Champions League,” he told the BBC (via ESPN). “We have still the FA Cup final to go. Everyone has to make up his mind at how we have done this season at that time” he said.
Speaking about the upcoming FA Cup final, he said: “It is very much time ago that the club won this cup so it is very important for all of us. I came here to win a title. An FA Cup is a big title in England.”
Van Gaal also commented on his future at the club, saying that “I can only say I have a contract of three years and I want to fulfill that. The transition period is not over yet. I am still the manager.”
On being asked about whether he would be there next season, he said: “Yes, because I have signed a three-year contract.”
On being asked whether finishing 5th on the table is a step backwards, he said, “Of course. Our aim in the first year, the second year and the third year was the Champions League. That’s the highest level. A club like Manchester United has to play at that level, but there are more clubs who want to play in the Champions League.
Bournemouth: Eddie Howe
Howe insisted that his side has had a fantastic season. The objective was to stay in the top flight, and that’s where they are for another season. He did say that he thought there was a lot of work to be done over the summer, though he didn’t think they needed a major restructuring job. Speaking on the result, he said “It was disappointing overall for us. They dominated possession, we struggled to get a stranglehold on the game,” he said according to SM. He went on to say “United were a level above us in most departments. We didn’t make it as difficult for them as we could have done. There’s lots for us to ponder over the summer.”
Fans weren’t too happy with LVG’s fifth placed finish. He was booed during his address to the fans after the game by United fans who were present there. His comments about the fans’ expectations being too high didn’t go down well with the supporters with many calling for his head.
LVG talking utter nonsense – fans expectations too high?! Come on – we’re MANCHESTER UNITED!!!! ? #MUFC #ManUnited
— Chris Chohan (@ChrisChohan) May 17, 2016
@ManUtd you better sack LVG or lose the fan. Boring football!!!!! #LVGOUT
— lehai0609 (@lehai0609) May 17, 2016
@SkySportsNewsHQ @MufcUpdates07 If LVG doesn’t want to leave, sack him & make him leave!!!!!!
— Jags (@Jagstarraw7) May 17, 2016
“Expectations are too high at Old Trafford”
– Louis van Gaal#MUFC | #LVGOUT pic.twitter.com/Vn2ZDMMCCx
— Fergie’s Fledglings (@RedDevilTimes) May 17, 2016
Louis I thought the best manager in the world could cope with high expectations. Please leave my club. #LVGOUT
— VAN GAAL OUT (@mourinho1995) May 17, 2016
Erics taking matters into his own hands #LVGOUT @TonyMartiaI @KickAssCantona pic.twitter.com/PABwXhf9cT
— Graham No7 (@GrahamNo7) May 17, 2016
We are so close to Mourinho now. United fans needs to make their feelings known tonight we want #LVGOUT !
— Connor (@DDGSaves) May 17, 2016
Expectations too high? As in our expectations of you and your track record of winning trophies? Yeah, that sounds about right #MUFC #LVGOUT
— Will Calcutt (@will_calcutt) May 17, 2016
