The Manchester United coach, Louis Van Gaal was left fuming after his team’s 1-1 draw against CSKA Moscow in game three of the UEFA Champions League.
A rebound from Seydou Doumbia after Roman Eremenko’s spot-kick was saved by DeGea, gave CSKA Moscow a half time lead.
However, the story behind the goal triggered the ire of the Manchester United coach.
The club’s summer signing, Anthony Martial gave away a first-half penalty after being adjudged to have handled in the area and a disappointed Van Gaal described the young French man’s action as “stupid”.
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Anthony Martial was booked after handling the ball in the 14th minute to gift CSKA Moscow a chance to take the lead with a penalty.
Speaking to newsmen after the game, Van Gaal said: “It was a stupid reaction from Anthony but before that maybe it was offside, I don’t know.
“I thought it was offside, but I don’t know. It was close. But the reaction, it’s the first time that he did it and there always has to be a first time, but for us it was unlucky because I think we controlled the game.
“We don’t play too fast, I think. The ball possession was too slow in the first half, but we improved in the second half and we scored a fantastic goal. We could have won, but ‘could have’ doesn’t count in football.
“Angry? I have given my advice [at half-time] as to how we could win this game because that is more important than getting angry.
“A reaction like Martial is stupid, but it happens. We are all human beings, so no angry is not the right word. Maybe disappointed because we were playing too slow.
“We had a lot of ball possession but you have to create something with that ball possession, and we didn’t create so much.
“That’s why I changed the shape and the players, and I think the second half was a better half and I think we deserved to draw and maybe also to win.
“We played at a higher tempo I think. We switched the game from one side to the other, and that is also why we got the goal and we created more chances. We also didn’t give many away.”
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But despite his harsh words for Martial, Van Gaal did take time out to praise the teenager who scored his fifth goal for his new club.
“He was playing with a lot of strength for the opponent, and he played always at a certain level. He is very consistent, and for a 19-year-old boy I like that.”
When asked by the club’s official website if he had forgiven Martial, the Dutchman replied: “Yes of course! He was playing again with a lot of threat to the opponent and he always plays at a certain level, he’s very consistent. For a 19-year-old boy I like that.”
Van Gaal felt his side were unlucky not to pick up all three points after a strong display in Moscow. He however believes his team will advance to the knockout stage.
“For us it was very unlucky because I think we controlled the game. I don’t think we played too fast though in ball possession, it was too slow in the first half. We improved that in the second half and scored a fantastic goal. We could have won but ‘could have’ doesn’t count in football.
“But we are now on schedule after the PSV Eindhoven defeat. Now we have two home matches and we are very strong at home.
“I hope we can win these games so we are qualified or nearly qualified, but we also have a game away to Wolfsburg.”
Just recently, Anthony Martial was rewarded for his fine performances with his club. The France striker was named the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for August/September in the Premier League.
. Van Gaal Fumes After Martial’s Stupidity, Brilliance Earned Red Devils Vital Point . on Honeylandamp; . | . NAIJ.COM.
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