It means nothing: Louis van Gaal plays down United win over Liverpool
Mata and Rooney instrumental in maintaining unbeaten run under new manager
It’s only a pre-season tournament, and the trophy isn’t exactly steeped in soccer history. None of that mattered to Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata scored two minutes apart in a second-half flurry, Jesse Lingard added an insurance goal in the final minutes and Manchester United rallied to beat bitter rivals Liverpool 3-1 before 51,104 fans in the International Champions Cup on Monday night.
Of course, it is better to win in preparation time than to lose. But the most important game is against Swansea City, the first game at home in the Premier League. That, we have to win
After a Premier League season a year ago that was wildly disappointing – by United standards, anyway – the club remained unbeaten in five matches under new manager Louis van Gaal.
And while his players were clearly thrilled, Van Gaal offered a one-word assessment of what winning a pre-season tournament means.
“Nothing,” Van Gaal said.
Clearly, no disrespect was meant. But clubs like United are looking for the sport’s biggest prizes, and Van Gaal wants his team thinking big.
“It’s nice for the fans in the United States and also at home that we beat Liverpool,” the Dutchman said. “It’s not our favourite opponent, for Man United fans. I think we have gave a lot of pleasure to these fans and that’s very important.