Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Louis van Gaal says Manchester United have put further pressure on Manchester City and Arsenal in the race for the top four after an easy win over Crystal Palace.
The home side breezed to an easy 2-0 win with Palace failing to register a shot on target at Old Trafford.
Damien Delaney scored an early, terrible, own goal before Matteo Darmian scored an excellent half-volley - his first for the club.
The win leaves United a point behind Arsenal, although the Gunners have a game in hand, and two points behind Manchester City with four matches to go.
"Of course we are in the race and we are two points behind City and Arsenal have to play [Thursday] against West Bromwich Albion," he said. "It is not an easy opponent because they will defend, probably, and it is always difficult. You have seen Arsenal against Crystal Palace – it is always difficult."
United would have won more comfortably but for the heroics of veteran goalkeeper Julian Speroni, playing his first match of the season.
Van Gaal added: "Yes I was very happy with the performance and I think it was a four or five to zero game. We should have finished it much earlier and scored much more goals. We created a lot of chances and we did not give any chances away – one, maybe, in the first half for [Emmanuel] Adebayor."
Manchester United face an Everton side dominated by rivals Liverpool in a 4-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
"Selection [for the semi-final] is not so difficult because you are following what you see, what your philosophy is, what the game plan is. Now you have to convince the players why you select that way. That is much more important.
"Of course the semi-final is not nothing. I came to England to win titles and now are very close. But first we have to beat Everton and that is not so easy. Also when they have lost to Liverpool 4-0, with 10 men it is difficult against Liverpool I think [Ramiero Funes Mori was sent off]."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments