Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was pleased with the fine performance shown by his team in the International Champions Cup held in Washington.
"I am very pleased," said van Gaal. "I think we played by far the best match (of the tour). This was in spite of the fact that United needed a penalty shootout to overcome the 0-0 draw. Van Gaal thought the victory counts and he also praised the substitutes Luke Shaw and Wilfried Zaha for their splendid performance in the game.
"They had only one shot on our goal and that was given by the referee. We also created six or seven chances, so then it is seven against one." Van Gaal said.
Shaw was not expected to play, but came up anyway at half-time in the view of the fact that Reece James picked up a knock before kick-off. Van Gaal commended Shaw and said that he did well during the game. He said that the player is working very hard and Shaw will not be able to exhibit his potential if it were not for Reece James' minor injury.
Meanwhile, Zaha made his first appearance of the tour all looking fierce and dangerous. "I played all right, I'm happy. There's so much pressure on me. Every chance you get, you have to take. There are so many players here." Zaha said. He also expressed his gratitude for van Gaal and added that he is a good manager who will help him discover his true potentials.
"All I have done is what he has asked. I've worked hard, that's what he told me to do. It's a clean slate for me. Last year I made advancements in my game and I just want to play for Manchester United. Hopefully, this will be my chance."
Although pleased with his performance, Van Gaal said that Zaha has a lot of competitions with the strikers and that they will have to wait and see for the verdict. Van Gaal also confirmed that United is still on the look for a new central defender and this is in the top of his priorities.
"And, when you see our three matches, we are doing well, I think. But it is right that we are looking for defenders, because a lot of defenders have gone.
"We have to replace them but I also like Michael Keane and Tyler Blackett."
