Louis van Gaal has just faced the media ahead of Manchester United’s already crucial Champions League game against Wolfsburg at Old Trafford on Wednesday night (Kick Off 19:45 Local Time).
After a narrow defeat against PSV in an entertaining encounter in Holland a fortnight ago (Matchday 1 of the group stage) Manchester United now must win to stay in control of this group.
But their form has picked up since that defeat and three straight wins leave Manchester United in good shape coming into this one.
Key Points
INJURIES
LvG suggested that Michael Carrick would be unlikely to play against Wolfsburg on Wednesday but the boss seems a little more positive about the other absentees from training this morning, Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera:
“They have minor injuries and I don’t want to take any risks,”
CONTRACT
Asked about whether he would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of next season, he said:
“Normally I shall leave after next year but what is normal in our football world you never know. I promised my wife I would go to our paradise [in Portugal]. It will be very hard to deny her that promise. It shall be very hard to my wife.”
CHANCES IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
He was asked about his team’s chances of winning the top prize in European club football. Whilst stating that any winner needs a slice of luck, he did admit:
“You need to win all your home matches in the Champions League otherwise it shall be very difficult,”
and on the state of the team:
“We have made progression in the maturity and balance of the team,”
“We have to improve to win the Premier League or Champions League but we are still improving and I can see that every week.”
BASTI
Now a top Manchester United player
On Bastian Schweinsteiger’s introduction to Manchester United:
“Bastian is already accepted as a leading player,”
So there are a few injury concerns but Louis has strength in depth and Manchester United will fully expect to take the three points in what should be a cracking Champions League atmosphere at The Theatre.
