As Manchester United descends behind the former Iron Curtain to take on CSKA Moscow in the Champions League group play, United boss Louis van Gaal admits he’d settle for a draw.
Van Gaal said at his prematch press conference: “I said before the away match against PSV Eindhoven, one point is good. Three points is better but one point is good.”
Van Gaal also said that he kept the team in Manchester to train for the match against the Ruskies. He said he had logistical concerns about training in the Russian capital city.
“We trained in Manchester today because of the logistics and the way we have to prepare for matches.”
“We were told that there would be traffic jams in Moscow so we thought it would be better to train at home on our training ground.
“My preference is to train here, because then the players know the circumstances and where they have to play, but in this case we decided to train in Manchester.”
Van Gaal made comments Monday that hinted at what starting formation he’ll use tomorrow night. The Dutchman also revealed his rationale for dropping his countrymen Memphis Depay and Daley Blind.
Also, for what it’s worth, here’s our Man United starting XI prediction.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
Follow him on Twitter and Instagram