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Louis van Gaal hailed the spirit of his Manchester United side after they came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw in their FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham.

United’s troubled campaign looked to have taken another turn for the worse as Dimitri Payet put the Hammers on course for a Wembley semi-final with a stunning free-kick at Old Trafford.

But unlike in recent defeats to West Brom and Liverpool, United were able to find a response and Anthony Martial’s 83rd-minute equaliser ensured a replay at Upton Park.

Van Gaal said: “For the first 15 minutes I think West Ham were the better team and they created a few chances, but after that we came back into the match.

“We have created chances and in the second half we were the better team. They scored out of a free-kick. We were behind.

“We have played against West Brom and lost, and Liverpool and lost this week, and when you come back from that I think it is amazing, and fantastic spirit in the team, in spite of a very nasty week. I am very proud of my players.

“We are still in three competitions.”

Payet’s 68th-minute free-kick, which beat David de Gea from distance with bend and dip, came out of the top drawer but there was controversy over whether he should still have been on the field. Just moments earlier he had arguably been lucky to escape receiving a second yellow card for diving in the penalty area.

Van Gaal said: “We can discuss every decision of the referee, but I can only say we are very unlucky this season with the decisions of the referee.”

With United trailing, Van Gaal changed the pattern of the game by sending on Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay in a double substitution after 76 minutes.

Of Schweinsteiger’s display, he said: “I think he did fantastically, but of course he played 15 minutes. Ninety minutes is different but I was very happy with him.”

One disappointing aspect for Van Gaal was the crowd’s reaction to the substitution of midfielder Marouane Fellaini, which was loudly cheered.

The Dutchman said: “I think Fellaini played a good match again. He performed well in our gameplan. That was disappointing but that was the only moment I was disappointed with because they were supporting our side in spite of two losses this week.

“Maybe they have another opinion to me.”

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic dismissed suggestions Payet had dived to try to win a penalty.

Bilic said: “A dive? Come on. If you have a screen, show me, I am going to defend my point at Cambridge if needed. There is more than a contact. It is definitely not a dive.”

Bilic also felt goalkeeper Darren Randolph was fouled in the build-up to the equaliser.

He said: “It was (a foul). I don’t want to spoil the game talking about the referees – overall, he did a good job, but there have been a couple of situations, crucial ones, that have gone against us.”

Bilic admitted it was frustrating to have been so close to victory but not hold on.

He said: “In our dressing room after the game it was kind of silent. We are a little but disappointed because we were there the last few minutes and the time when you conceded makes you a little bit down.

“But that is good. It shows you have confidence and are moving in the right direction.”

As for Payet’s goal, Bilic said: “I said to myself, ‘It was a bit too far, De Gea is there, it has got to be special’, and make no mistake it was pure class of magic. It was a perfect goal.”

Source: PA-WIRE

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Anthony Martial digs Manchester United out of FA Cup hole as Hammers are denied

Anthony Martial came to the rescue of Manchester United and Louis van Gaal as his late equaliser against West Ham took this FA Cup quarter-final to a replay.

The feel-good factor that had temporarily returned to Old Trafford looked set to be well and truly extinguished on Sunday, with Dimitri Payet’s wondrous free-kick leaving the Red Devils facing up to an embarrassing third straight loss.

But just as the atmosphere at Old Trafford was turning nasty, Martial saved the day – and United’s blushes – by turning home from an acute angle to secure a 1-1 draw and another shot at reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

This, though, was another prosaic display from Van Gaal’s men in which West Ham back-up goalkeeper Darren Randolph did not even have a shot to save in another unimaginative first half.

Emmanuel Emenike twice had efforts at United’s goal during the opening period and Slaven Bilic’s men eventually took the lead in the 68th minute, when Payet – shortly after avoiding a second booking for simulation – curled home an exceptional 25-yard free-kick.

Marouane Fellaini’s substitution was cheered as the mood darkened around Old Trafford, only for Martial to net a late leveller and keep alive United’s hopes of winning the FA Cup for the first time in 12 years.

However, this poor performance, on the back of the embarrassing 2-0 loss at Liverpool in the Europa League last-16, will raise fresh questions about Van Gaal’s future. United were hardly the “wounded animal” Bilic had warned his players about.

Aside from an early Jesse Lingard strike wide, the Hammers dominated much of the play and the returning Andy Carroll and Payet had shots either side of Emenike going close.

The January signing broke behind the United backline to meet a pass from Carroll, with his shot across the face of goal going just wide.

Carroll met a deep Aaron Cresswell cross and put a powerful header over as the east Londoners continued to threaten, before another fine ball from the left-back set up Emenike once again.

Daley Blind lost the loanee as the cross came in, with the defender relieved to see a weak header caught by David de Gea.

Ander Herrera looked to find a breakthrough and Angelo Ogbonna deflected a Marcus Rashford snap shot over as United enjoyed a brief period in the ascendancy, broken up when Fellaini followed Winston Reid into referee Martin Atkinson’s notebook after bringing down Mark Noble moments after the West Ham captain’s foul was ignored.

The frustration of the home crowd was audible and soon focused on United’s aimless attacks, which saw them fail to get a shot on the West Ham goal in the opening period.

Michail Antonio had a shot blocked during a penalty-box melee as half-time approached, with the in-form winger forcing De Gea into a clumsy-looking punch soon after the break.

United had, though, returned with more intensity and had two half-hearted penalty appeals for handball turned down in quick succession, with fans joining in a third shout as Winston Reid blocked a Herrera drive.

West Ham soon had their own penalty appeal rejected as Marcos Rojo lunged at Payet.

The Frenchman was already on a yellow card and perhaps fortunate not to receive a second for simulation – and the opportunity to stay on the field was one upon which he capitalised in style.

Blind was adjudged to have fouled Payet, who got to his feet and curled home the resulting 25-yard free-kick beautifully, in off the left post.

The 9,000 visiting fans erupted as De Gea was beaten, while the home fans’ dissatisfaction was highlighted by them cheering loudly when Fellaini was replaced.

Cresswell made a fine block as United desperately pushed for a leveller, which arrived with seven minutes remaining.

Martial started the move by playing the ball wide and then reacted at the far post to turn home Herrera’s cross – thanks in part to substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger getting in Randolph’s way.

Rojo clipped an effort over and former West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick fizzed just wide for United, but De Gea had to be alert to tip an Antonio strike wide in stoppage time.

Source: PA

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Michael Carrick knows it has been far “too long” since Manchester United last won the FA Cup – a drought the vice-captain is determined to end this season.

Louis van Gaal’s under-fire side start a make-or-break week by welcoming West Ham to Old Trafford in the quarter-final tie on Sunday.

The home leg of the Europa League last-16 clash with Liverpool follows, then a crunch Premier League game against Manchester City, but halting a run of back-to-back defeats is the main priority.

United have not won the FA Cup since 2004 and it is the only major domestic trophy to elude Carrick.

“We are hugely determined and it is a great opportunity for us,” the veteran England midfielder said ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final.

“Obviously West Ham have been great this season and have gone further in this competition than they have for some time.

“In the league their form has been amazing, especially from what they might have expected at the start of the season.

“It is going to be a tough game for us. It was a tough one earlier on in the season at home (when we drew 0-0) and we expect something similar on Sunday.”

Carrick started his career at West Ham, scoring six goals in 159 appearances before swapping Upton Park for Tottenham in 2004.

The 34-year-old moved onto United two years after that and ended his first campaign by appearing in his first – and so far only – FA Cup final.

Carrick accepts United were “not quite good enough” as Chelsea secured a 1-0 extra-time win that day – a missed opportunity that does not rankle, even if the wait to make another final does.

“It has been too long since we won the FA Cup,” he told United Review

“Before our last success (in 2004), we had won a number of FA Cups and it seems such a long time that we haven’t been able to get our hands on it.

“I have said before, we need to put that right and this club needs to be winning things.”

It could well prove Carrick’s last shot at a trophy with United, given his contract expires in the summer and Thursday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool has severely dented their Europa League hopes.

It would be a fitting end to the midfielder’s time at Old Trafford, whereas for Matteo Darmian the FA Cup provides a chance to end a bumpy debut season in English football with silverware.

The 26-year-old arrived from Torino last summer and is dreaming of reaching the Wembley finale.

“It would be fantastic,” Darmian said. “I think for us it’s a great chance to win an important trophy. That is our focus.

“Every game is difficult, but we are Manchester United and we have to win as many games as possible.

“That is what we are trying to do and hopefully we can get the victory on Sunday.”

Source: PA

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic feels Manchester United are missing a big-name striker.

United have found the net just 19 times in 14 home league matches this season and have scored only once in their last three outings.

They will again be without Wayne Rooney through injury when they host the Hammers in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final.

And Bilic believes the lack of a world-class forward has been a major factor in their disappointing campaign under Louis van Gaal.

“Under Sir Alex Ferguson, if you see the names that played up front for them, they were either at a better age or were bigger names or better goalscorers,” said Bilic.

“Now Van Gaal has some really young, talented players who are definitely going to be that, but simply they are not that consistent because of their age, and because of the situation it is very hard to be confident if you are a Manchester United player.

“But to be fair, they don’t have a Sergio Aguero or a Ruud van Nistelrooy or Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rooney is injured.”

West Ham head to Manchester in sparkling form having won their last three league matches against Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton.

United, by contrast, go into the match on the back of a woeful performance at Liverpool, where they crashed 2-0 in their Europa League first-leg clash.

With the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll fit again following recent injury lay-offs, Bilic is confident they can take full advantage of United’s unconvincing form.

“If you are asking me if we are confident, we are confident because we are playing good, we are training good. We are buzzing,” he added.

“If there is time to train, we are training hard. That is the biggest secret. We have good players who are hungry, who are motivated.

“Now we have the players back from injuries, we have 18 players that you can easily treat as regulars.”

Bilic can also welcome back defender Joey O’Brien and wingers Victor Moses and Enner Valencia from injury for the Old Trafford clash.

Source: PA

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal defends methods, philosophy and results

Louis van Gaal has defended his methods, philosophy and results as Manchester United prepare for a week that could determine the manager’s future.

It seemed the Reds had turned the corner and belatedly found some consistency, with a four-match winning run complemented by home-grown teenager Marcus Rashford’s remarkable emergence.

The feel-good factor at Old Trafford has proved short-lived, though, with United’s Champions League hopes seriously dented by back-to-back losses.

Sunday’s uninspiring 1-0 defeat at West Brom diminished their top-four hopes and a tepid display at Anfield saw the Reds’ chances of qualifying through the Europa League narrow on Thursday.

Turning around the 2-0 last-16 loss is a big ask when Liverpool arrive for the second leg – a match bookended by a Premier League trip to rivals Manchester City and, firstly, an FA Cup quarter-final at home to West Ham.

Those matches could go a long way to determining under-fire Van Gaal’s future, even if the Dutchman did not want to talk about it ahead of Sunday’s match.

“I don’t want to discuss that with you because you are not part of the people who will determine,” Van Gaal said.

“This (defeat to Liverpool) of course gives us much more pressure.

“We are in three competitions and after the defeat in Midjytlland you have sacked me already and then we are standing up, and then we are in the next round and it is possible also against Liverpool.

“We have to play that match for the second time and then at home and then we create that atmosphere and then maybe we score some goals. It shall be very difficult, I know that, but it is possible.

“It is not impossible. Against West Ham United, it is also possible. At Old Trafford, we (would) normally win our games.”

Van Gaal bristled when asked how many times United had played the way he wanted – “you are now very negative” – and rejected the accusation that United had fallen short in his time at the helm.

“I think it is working,” he said. “The style is also working.

“It is not giving the best results. It is not good enough when you think you have to be a champion. Or win the Euro League or the FA Cup.

“It is still possible, but when you see this game (against Liverpool), you can say what you are saying but when you analyse what we have done this season and the other season, then you cannot say that.

“I cannot change your mind because you are thinking (it already) otherwise you don’t put the question to me.”

Juan Mata will miss the quarter-final through suspension.

Jesse Lingard returns to the squad having served a ban in the clash with Liverpool, while Adnan Januzaj and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are available having been ineligible for Thursday’s match.

Wayne Rooney (knee), Luke Shaw (leg), Ashley Young (groin/pelvis) and Will Keane (groin) remain absent, but Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are nearing a return.

Meanwhile, Slaven Bilic claims Michail Antonio is a shining example of the gems available in the lower leagues.

The 25-year-old was a surprise B#7million deadline-day arrival at West Ham, having finally reached the top flight via Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest.

Antonio had to bide his time to make an impact at Upton Park with just one brief substitute appearance in his first three months at the club.

But a spate of injuries gave the winger his chance and he has grabbed it with both hands, scoring seven goals and becoming one of West Ham’s key figures in their rise to fifth in the Premier League.

Antonio could even cap a dream first season at the club with a Wembley appearance if they can get past United at Old Trafford.

And Bilic believes there are plenty more players capable of following the likes of Antonio and Leicester’s Jamie Vardy up the football pyramid.

“There are, definitely, it’s not only him,” said the Hammers boss. “There are a few players. We also have Sam Byram who came few months ago and is doing great.

“Antonio is the biggest example for all the guys playing in lower divisions. Not to mention Jamie Vardy. There are definitely some really good players especially if you surround them with more quality players, like Antonio is.

“He benefits from that and we benefit from that situation. And he deserves it.”

Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O’Brien are available for the tie.

Valencia has recovered from a sprained ankle, Moses is fit after a quad injury and O’Brien has shaken off hamstring trouble.

Winston Reid is close to returning after a hamstring problem but the Old Trafford clash is likely to come too soon, while fellow defenders James Tomkins (calf) and James Collins (hamstring) are still injured and Sam Byram is cup-tied.

Source: PAR

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Jose Mourinho has confirmed that his next managerial position will start in July, once the current season has completed. The 53 year old confirmed his move in an interview with BT Sports Matt Smith, although the presenter conceded the conversation took place behind closed doors. Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea following a poor attempt at defending their title. Speculation persists over the Portuguese tactician’s next move with the former Porto manager being spotted in the stands at many top clubs.

We assess the potential destinations for the ‘Special One’:

MANCHESTER UNITED

The pressure intensified on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal this week after a disastrous performance against Liverpool in the Europa League. The Reds ran United off the park at Anfield in the 2-0 win; a scoreline which could have been worse if not for David de Gea. LVG has been criticised all season long following another disappointing campaign for the Red Devils in both the league and Europe.

If United fail to qualify for the Champions League, it is widely believed that van Gaal will leave his position a year before his contact is due to expire. Ryan Giggs is seen as the perfect successor to the throne but the Welshman could struggle to compete with the experience and reputation of Mourinho should he be interested in taking the position.

Mourinho would make widescale changes to the current backroom staff with the likes of Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Carlos Lalin following him to his last four jobs. Giggs’ position as assistant manager could be safe unless the 42 year old feels that he is ready to take the next step into management. The future of many United players could be in doubt including Juan Mata, who was sold by Mourinho in order to accommodate Oscar’s involvement in the Chelsea side. United could also benefit from the contacts of Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who has many high profile players on his books including James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

REAL MADRID

According to reports in Spain, Mourinho was targeted by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to re-join the club he left in 2013. Following Rafael Benitez’s departure, club legend Zinedine Zidane was promoted to the role of manager. Despite the appointment being extremely popular amongst fans, doubts remain over whether ‘Zizou’ is ready for such a prestigious role so early in his coaching career.

Benitez left the club in third position, just four points off the top. The gap has since widened to 12 points under the guidance of Zidane. Although the Frenchman currently boasts a better win percentage than the now Newcastle manager, questions marks remain over his long term future as manager.

Perez had reportedly held talks with Mourinho in January according to Spanish journalist Diego Torres. Mourinho will reportedly favour a move to Old Trafford rather than returning to the club he left just three years ago. His last reign ended on a sour note after falling out of favour with the club’s fans and players which ultimately led to his departure.

INTER MILAN

A return to former side Inter Milan has also not been ruled out as the Portuguese is still highly regarded by his former employers due to his 2010 treble winning season at the helm. Mourinho visited the side in February and admitted that a return to Milan could be on the cards one day.

Current manager Roberto Mancini was replaced by Mourinho but has refused to be drawn into speculation that his position could be under threat. He enjoyed a fantastic relationship with both the players and fans at the San Siro before leaving to join Madrid. Inter have endured a fall from grace in recent years following the dominance of the likes of Juventus, Roma and Napoli. The Nerazzurri face stiff competition for a place in the Champions League yet again this season with Roma five points ahead in the race for qualification. Mourinho could be the man to turn their fortune around and return them to their glory days.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Oil-rich PSG have courted Mourinho in the past with the club’s Qatari owners meeting on at least two occasions to discuss their project and plans for the team. Despite dominating Ligue 1, PSG have so far struggled to establish themselves as a frontrunner in the Champions League.

Mourinho was approached well before current manager Laurent Blanc was appointed but was currently happy in charge of Madrid when he was offered the chance to move to the French capital. Blanc’s exploits in France have not gone un-noticed after winning back to back titles with the Parisians which has meant the 50 year old is in the running to replace van Gaal in Manchester. Should Blanc despite to stay at the club, it is unlikely that PSG would look to replace the man who made 97 appearances for the French national team during his time as a player and has brought consistent success to the capital.

TOTTENHAM

Mauricio Pochettino has received many plaudits for his work with Tottenham this season after putting the Lilywhites well and truly in the race for the title with a squad featuring a number of young players. His record at Spurs and Southampton is extremely impressive which has led to Chelsea’s interest in taking over from Gus Hiddink at the end of the season.

Reports suggest that Chelsea officials made contact with the Argentine’s representatives at the end of February to sound out a potential move. However, with the Blues set to miss out on Champions League football, Roman Abramovich would face a struggle to convince the 44 year old to switch to Stamford Bridge. Daniel Levy will be keen to see Pochettino remain as manager with Spurs ready to return to the Champions League and a new stadium waiting in the wings.

Ultimately, money talks and if Chelsea managed to persuade the former Espanyol manager to take the reins, Mourinho could emerge as a surprise contender for the Tottenham job. Spurs would need someone with Champions League experience and could build on the squad that Pochettino has created.

Only time will tell which dug-out Mourinho is sitting in next season with many indications pointing towards Old Trafford as his preferred destination. No matter which club manage to secure the signature of the ‘Special One’, fans will be eager to see how Mourinho bounces back following his pre-mature departure from a club so close to his heart.

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Source: DSG

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Louis van Gaal has defended his methods, philosophy and results as Manchester United prepare for a week that could determine the manager’s future.

It seemed the Reds had turned the corner and belatedly found some consistency, with a four-match winning run complemented by home-grown teenager Marcus Rashford’s remarkable emergence.

The feel-good factor at Old Trafford has proved short-lived, though, with United’s Champions League hopes seriously dented by back-to-back losses.

Sunday’s uninspiring 1-0 defeat at West Brom diminished their top-four hopes and a tepid display at Anfield saw the Reds’ chances of qualifying through the Europa League narrow on Thursday.

Turning around the 2-0 last-16 loss is a big ask when Liverpool arrive for the second leg – a match bookended by a Premier League trip to rivals Manchester City and, firstly, an FA Cup quarter-final at home to West Ham.

Those matches could go a long way to determining under-fire Van Gaal’s future, even if the Dutchman did not want to talk about it ahead of Sunday’s match.

“I don’t want to discuss that with you because you are not part of the people who will determine,” Van Gaal said.

“This (defeat to Liverpool) of course gives us much more pressure.

“We are in three competitions and after the defeat in Midjytlland you have sacked me already and then we are standing up, and then we are in the next round and it is possible also against Liverpool.

“We have to play that match for the second time and then at home and then we create that atmosphere and then maybe we score some goals. It shall be very difficult, I know that, but it is possible.

“It is not impossible. Against West Ham United, it is also possible. At Old Trafford, we (would) normally win our games.”

United certainly appear to have the individuals on paper to triumph, but the poor style and substance display at Anfield – not for the first time this season – raises understandable doubts.

“I think it is working because you have to see how we have to work,” Van Gaal said of his tutorship.

“Under which circumstances we have to work and when you don’t have too many players and you have to play in three competitions, then it is very difficult.”

Van Gaal bristled when asked how many times United had played the way he wanted – “you are now very negative” – and rejected the accusation that United had fallen short in his time at the helm.

“I think it is working,” he said. “The style is also working.

“It is not giving the best results. It is not good enough when you think you have to be a champion. Or win the Euro League or the FA Cup.

“It is still possible, but when you see this game (against Liverpool), you can say what you are saying but when you analyse what we have done this season and the other season, then you cannot say that.

“I cannot change your mind because you are thinking (it already) otherwise you don’t put the question to me.”

Van Gaal put United’s inconsistencies down to a rotation policy borne out of necessity and remains upbeat about his chances, despite the rising pressure and Jose Mourinho constantly being linked.

“We are still in three competitions so we can fight for a lot and it is possible that we are going out (of the Europa League) and then it is very difficult situation for everyone, but still we have the chance to win something and you have to believe in that,” he said.

“I see a lot of your colleagues (in the media) are not believing in that but that was already (the case) for a long time and we are still in three competitions.

“There are many of my colleagues who are not in three competitions any more.”

Source: PA

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Manchester United have condemned the supporters who chanted about the Hillsborough disaster during Thursday’s Europa League clash with Liverpool.

The first European meeting of the north-west giants was an intense occasion, with Jurgen Klopp’s men triumphing 2-0 at Anfield in the first leg of the last-16 tie.

However, unsavoury chants emanated from the away end throughout the match, with sections of the travelling support heard singing about the Hillsborough disaster on several occasions.

A crush during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, which saw 96 people killed, was the subject of chants referencing media coverage at the time.

A statement from Manchester United in the wake of Thursday’s events read: “It has always been the position of Manchester United that chants of this nature, which refer to historical tragedies, have no place in the game and do not reflect the values the club holds.

“We are in discussion with our fans’ groups to seek their support in preventing this type of behaviour in the future.”

Chants from the away end were also reported to have focused on the Heysel disaster, when 39 fans died before the 1985 European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool.

This is not the first time that vile chants have been heard during this fixture, with some Liverpool supporters having previously sung about the Munich air disaster that claimed 23 lives as United flew back from a European fixture in 1958.

Merseyside Police have yet to receive any complaints about Thursday’s incident, but Match Commander Chief Superintendent Jon Ward has pledged to take action if that changes.

“We have received no complaints relating to chanting by supporters at (Thursday) night’s match but are aware of media coverage,” Chief Supt Ward said.

“Merseyside Police take all reports seriously and where offences are identified, we would investigate such complaints thoroughly

“The vast majority of fans behaved impeccably and enjoyed the occasion for what it was – a highly competitive football match between two passionate clubs and their supporters.

“A great deal of work went into planning for the match involving the clubs, the police and most importantly the fans.

“The safety of all fans attending Anfield on match day will always be our absolute priority but we can only achieve this through the professionalism of the people who work at the event and through the co-operation of the fans themselves.”

Thursday’s chants were described as “disgusting” by ex-United striker Dion Dublin, while former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton said it was “dreadful”.

“There were people in the crowd who lost loved ones at Hillsborough and that’s really hard to take,” the former Republic of Ireland midfielder told BBC Radio 5 live.

“It’s something we don’t want to hear. It’s happened in the past with Liverpool fans to Manchester United with what happened at Munich. It’s uncalled for.”

Houghton added: “When you lower yourself to that level (of those fans), it’s quite remarkable.

“It should have been a night of celebration – they haven’t played each other in a European tie before. The fans should have been getting behind their own team.

“When you stoop as low as they did (on Thursday) night, for me, it’s dreadful.”

UEFA had no updates on potential action regarding the incident when contacted by Press Association Sport on Friday.

The second leg of the Europa League last-16 tie between United and Liverpool takes place at Old Trafford on March 17.

Source: PA

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The latest gossip and rumours from the newspapers and online:

Barcelona’s £10million-rated defender MARC BARTRA – a target for Manchester United and Tottenham – has been told he can leave the club in the summer, according to The Sun.

The Guardian is reporting that ANTONIO COTE has taken a step closer to taking over at Chelsea after agreeing deals with a potential backroom team.

The Daily Mirror writes that Aston Villa will target Hull boss STEVE BRUCE if Remi Garde decides to leave his role at Villa Park.

The Evening Standard reports that 17-year-old Nigerian KELECHI NWAKALI has revealed he has agreed a five-year deal with Arsenal.

The Daily Star says that RAFAEL BENITEZ wants a release clause in his contract if he takes over at Newcastle if the club are relegated.

Source: PA-WIRE

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits his players failed to cope with the pressure Liverpool put them under at Anfield.

A first-half penalty from Daniel Sturridge was followed by a decisive second from Roberto Firmino 17 minutes from time but the 2-0 scoreline would have been much worse had it not been for the heroics of goalkeeper David de Gea who made four or five decent saves.

A Europa League exit to their arch-rivals next week would put Van Gaal under even greater scrutiny, even with his side just three points off fourth place in the Premier League and still in the FA Cup.

To avoid that he needs to devise a game plan to counter Liverpool’s high-tempo pressing style which did for them at Anfield.

“We did not cope with the high pressure of Liverpool. The pressure is not from the crowd,” said the Dutchman.

“We had expected that and for me it was a surprise we did not cope with it because they did it at their home match this year.

“That raised the atmosphere in the stadium and they created big chances but we had a very good goalkeeper and because of that we were in the match.”

United’s performance was criticised by former players Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes as being “disjointed” and “shambolic”.

However, a tetchy Van Gaal rejected their opinions.

“Is it important what Rio Ferdinand is saying, is that important to you? You don’t give your opinion and then you give Rio Ferdinand’s opinion – that is very strong of you,” he added.

“Of course Liverpool were the better team in the first half but in second half we did a better match than before that.

“I don’t think we were very creative in the third and fourth phase but it is also the defence of Liverpool and you can give credit for that to Liverpool.

“We have to improve a lot to create more goals.”

Van Gaal also had issues with both goals they conceded.

He said: “We get a cheap penalty and that was 1-0. Henderson was in an offside position (for the second goal) and when you are so sharp you can see the foul has been made by Memphis in the area (for the penalty) you have to see also when it is offside.”

He also insisted he was not aware of an apparent Marouane Fellaini elbow on Emre Can in the closing moments.

“I haven’t seen it but I think also I have to say Fellaini was one of the best players on the pitch and I am very sorry when he makes a mistake like that,” he said.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refused to get carried away by the victory.

“It was good, from the first second to last second with only a few minutes in the second half when we lost control,” he said.

“2-0 is a perfect result. We would have liked to have won more clearly but there is nothing to criticise tonight.

“As a human being I could really celebrate and say it is the best and greatest ever but I don’t want to set a limit for them, I don’t know how strong they can be.

“We are in a good position now and want to go to the next round but for this we have to play like this again.”

Klopp was impressed with the Anfield atmosphere.

“It was unbelievable. I want to say thank you to everyone who was involved it was easy to enjoy from the first to last second,” he added.

“That was Liverpool as I knew it before I came here. It was really great.”

Source: PA

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