Paddy McNair to start for Manchester United against Everton, says Van Gaal
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Version 0 of 1. Louis van Gaal has revealed Paddy McNair will make a second consecutive start for Manchester United when Everton visit Old Trafford on Sunday. The 19-year-old made an impressive debut in last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham United and Van Gaal has said he has “eight injuries” plus the captain, Wayne Rooney, serving the first of his three-match suspension. Of McNair the United manager said: “It’s no difference. I believe we still have three central defenders injured so he shall play. He’s the only player that can play in that right central defender position. I have chosen [him] last week - that was more difficult than now because he has played very good I think. For a player like him it’s very difficult to maintain that level. That is his biggest challenge.” Van Gaal stated he was open to United playing midweek friendlies as the club are not involved in European competition this season. “I agree with that,” he said. “We have spoken last week with each other and Ed Woodward so I fully agree. I’m used to playing midweeks but I have said in the first three months we have to wait because it’s difficult enough for the players to adapt and adjust to the new play organisation and style and they shall honour that also but we shall play midweeks, it’s good because I like to play games against high level opponents.” Of Roberto Martínez’s team, Van Gaal said: “I have to say that I like Everton because they want to play football like I want to play football. It shall be a very interesting game. I know Manchester United lost to them twice last year so they’re a difficult opponent. I hope we can dominate the game but they want to dominate the game also. They are more allowed to play on the counter than we are so that’s also the difficulty.” Juan Mata is likely to replace Rooney as United’s No10 on Sunday. “I think in his position Juan Mata also played well. I have to choose at that time,” said the manager. “I shall miss him [Rooney] because of the captaincy but Juan Mata can also play very well.” |