Van Gaal won’t criticise Swansea for resting players

Mark Holmes
Louis van Gaal: Won't criticise Swansea City's team selection

Louis van Gaal: Won't criticise Swansea City's team selection

Louis van Gaal has no issue with Swansea City’s decision to rest four of their star players against Manchester City on Sunday.

United’s hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League are no longer in their hands following a 3-2 defeat at West Ham on Tuesday night.

United now need to win against Bournemouth at Old Trafford and hope City fall at Swansea, with the far superior goal difference of Manuel Pellegrini’s side meaning a draw would be enough for the Blues.

It is a position under-fire Van Gaal is frustrated to be in, but defeating the Cherries is the only thing on the Dutchman’s mind.

“We are dependent on Manchester City, that’s the difference and that’s also frustrating when you had the chance two matches before the end to keep that advantage,” he said.

“We were 2-1 ahead with 15 minutes to play and then we gave it away (against West Ham).

“That is frustrating and now we are dependent (on what City do), but still it is possible so we will fight until the end.”

United’s chances are further weakened by the fact Swansea boss Francesco Guidolin will give his players heading to Euro 2016 a rest this weekend.

Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Lukasz Fabianski have all been given the weekend off, but Van Gaal refused to criticise the Italian for that decision.

“I have also given players rest and I have won,” he said.

“That is also possible for Swansea City. It is the responsibility of the club, the manager to do what he thinks is right for the team and I cannot judge that.

“My task is the same because we have to play against Bournemouth and I don’t play against Manchester City.”