Louis van Gaal has admitted that he is worried by the damage Andy Carroll could do to Manchester United in West Ham’s final game at Upton Park on Tuesday.
The Hammers say goodbye to their famous old stadium in the Premier League clash but will be looking to avoid a repeat of the 2-1 loss to United in the last FA Cup match at the ground in April.
Van Gaal selected Marouane Fellaini in midfield to help cope with Carroll’s threat in that cup tie, but the Belgian’s absence through suspension leaves the Dutchman fearing the England striker’s potential impact.
“We are normally the smallest team in the Premier League and we have always problems with set-plays,” Van Gaal told a pre-match press conference. “You have seen that on Saturday, and we have to cope with that.
“Yes, I am very worried about [Carroll]. I am always in a meeting about that every day. It takes also a long time to organise it well.”
Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday leaves United needing two wins in their final two league games to secure a spot in the Champions League play-off round next August.
And Van Gaal believes his side are well equipped to cope with the emotions involved in the Boleyn Ground’s farewell having overcome other hurdles in recent weeks, most recently in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Norwich.
“On Saturday we had to play against a relegation fighter. They were fighting against relegation, so it was a tough match,” added the 64-year-old.
“On Tuesday we have to play against an opponent who says goodbye to their stadium, so they don’t want to lose in their own stadium. They have already lost to Manchester United in the last FA Cup match, and that’s also history. So that’s not good for us and West Ham United is a very good team, I think.
“We have a lot of respect for West Ham United. It is a historical, big club in the Premier League so we don’t want to spoil the party but we need the three points.”
There may be a late decision made on the fitness of frontman Anthony Martial, who pulled up with a muscle strain during the warm-up at Norwich. Van Gaal says the Frenchman will not be rushed if he is not ready.
“I cannot say [if he will play]. We have to wait and see because on Saturday his muscle was very tight and we won’t take any risk because he is a very important player and we don’t want a rupture. That’s very important for us.”
Victory at Upton Park would take United into the top four for the first time since December with only a home fixture against Bournemouth on Sunday still to play.
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