Press conference notes 13/3/2015

– Louis van Gaal spoke exclusively to MUTV ahead of Sunday’s league meeting with Tottenham and has revealed that Robin van Persie is the only confirmed injured absentee for the game at Old Trafford.

– The manager also told MUTV that Marcos Rojo has a minor problem and it’s still to be decided whether or not he will be available on Sunday.

In his press conference

– Van Gaal: “The players have reacted fantastically in training. They are willing to do everything and are giving their utmost. I cannot speak more highly about the professional attitude of my players.”

– On ‪Manchester United’s chances of finishing in the top four, van Gaal told reporters: “I have the same confidence as before.”

– “I’m very pleased with the (players’) reaction & I hope we can show that against Spurs – the first of 10 matches in the rat race.”

– United face two of the teams battling for a top four spot in the next two games, but van Gaal insists every one of the 10 matches left is vital.

“Every game is very important because they each have an influence on the next game. The game against Arsenal has an influence on the match against Tottenham. We have to keep the fighting spirit and we have to be more effective in finishing our chances.”

– The boss was asked about his decision to play Radamel Falcao in the U21s match against Spurs on Tuesday night.

“I have read in a lot of papers that it is a humiliation, I don’t think so. It’s a professional attitude of the management and the club but especially also for the player. Not only has Falcao played but also Valdes and Rafa Da Silva.”

-On Rafael, the LvG added: “Rafa played a very good match and scored a wonderful goal and because of that he can grip again his confidence.”

– Van Gaal recognises Tottenham as a team that likes to play “good football.”

“They have a lot of talent because when you see the selection, you see a lot of youngsters playing and a lot of older players with experience who are not. That’s also nice to see, the process of another club. I have to say they are playing well and I hope we can beat them – it shall be very difficult again.”

More Stories Arsenal Louis van Gaal Manchester United Marcos Rojo Radamel Falcao Rafael da Silva Robin van Persie Spurs Tottenham Hotspur Victor Valdes