Van Gaal has often found himself under immense pressure this season with his United side often struggling for positive results due to their lack of creativity in the final third of the pitch.
Having created just 274 goalscoring chances in the Premier League this season, only three sides have proven less imaginative in possession, with Van Gaal’s style of play a far cry from that seen during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at the club.
Despite the lack of goals, one thing that the 64-year-old can’t be criticised for is his willingness to give young players a chance in the senior side, which has seen young stars such as Marcus Rashford and Timothy Fosu-Mensah burst onto the scene of late.
And speaking in the wake of Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace – United’s sixth win in their last eight league games – Van Gaal has likened Rashford to his former player, Patrick Kluivert, whilst suggesting he deserves some praise for putting faith in the Red Devils’ young talent.
“Of course the academy and the coaches have credit for these players and also the scouts who have discovered these boys have credits. I am a little part of it. This part is important because you need the guts to do it.
“I have had this at all my clubs because I give youngsters the chance to do that. [At Ajax] Patrick Kluivert made the same performances as Marcus Rashford.
“At Bayern Munich Thomas Muller. [At Barcelona] Xavi was 18, [Andres] Iniesta was 17, [Thiago] Motta who is now at PSG. It is not strange. Age is not the big issues, quality is the big issue.”
Manchester United have used nine players currently aged 21 or under in the Premier League this season.
Rashford’s name wasn’t on the scoresheet in United’s midweek victory over Palace but the 18-year-old has been one of the key reasons behind the Red Devils’ recent return to form, which has seen them move to within two points of Manchester City in the race for the top four.
The centre-forward has started United’s last eight league matches, displaying an excellent 88% shot accuracy. Against Palace, he created two chances and completed 17/19 passes.
Van Gaal’s troops return to FA Cup duty as they play Everton in the semi-finals at Wembley this weekend before turning their attentions back to the top-flight when they host league leaders Leicester City at the start of May.
Marcus Rashford has scored from four of his seven shots on target in the Premier League.
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