£183.3m side draws against a team with a total transfer cost of £0m and proceed to crib about the pitch, referee and strong tackling – The Magic of the Cup.
Louis van Gaal barely raised a positive word about Cambridge United’s impressive rearguard action, last night, after witnessing his side settle for a limp 0-0 draw in the FA Cup fourth round.
The only consolation on a deflating night for van Gaal was the fact that his team are still in the competition and can take the League Two side back to Old Trafford for a replay. Still, he was in foul, post-match humour and Cambridge boss Richard Money, he revealed, did not even get as much as a ‘well played’ from the Dutchman after the final whistle.
Van Gaal complained, ‘Every aspect of a match is against us. We have to come here, the pitch is not so good, but that can influence also that you play in another playing style. The opponents are always giving a lot more than normal. And defending is always easier than attacking.
‘Then you have seen the referee [Chris Foy]. It’s always the same. Everywhere I have coached these games – and I have coached them also with other clubs – it’s always the same.’
Van Gaal was asked to expand on his implied refereeing criticisms but responded, ‘That is for you, to five your opinion. I cannot say.’
For what it is worth, United created 16 chances to Cambridge’s five. The visitor’s best chances fell to Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie but the hosts looked compact and comfortable for most of the match.
