Chronicle EditorLIVERPOOL. — Louis van Gaal said Manchester United had encouraged Liverpool in the race for a Champions League soccer place after losing 3-0 to the Merseysiders’ near-neighbours Everton on Sunday.
Goals from James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas at Goodison Park left United anxiously looking over their shoulders at fifth-placed Liverpool as they aim for the top four finish that will bring Champions League football to Old Trafford next season.
Afterwards, van Gaal said he had seen warning signs even before kick-off that his players were not at their best.
“I think so, yes,” said the Dutch manager when asked if this reverse was the most disappointing performance of his United reign.
“It was the first time that I see that our motivation, inspiration, aggression was not as high as the opponent.
“I already had the feeling, as did my colleagues (coaches) Ryan Giggs and Albert Stuivenberg, because warming up today was not as good as usual.” — AFP.
Online Reporter