LVG LEADS MANCHESTER UNITED TO FA CUP FINALS

VAN GAAL LEADS MANCHESTER UNITED TO FA CUP FINAL

Is this Van Gaal's redemption? Wembley win shows positive signs for Manchester United (... yes, even if the manager stays)

 There were some who would rather he had remained among the ranks of the damned, hastened to his doom as swiftly as possible so that Jose Mourinho can ride in on his white charger to restore all Manchester United's glories. Well, Van Gaal got one over on them at Wembley. Not particularly convincingly, it must be said. United won this FA Cup semi-final against Everton once, then threw it away, then won it again when really it felt as though they did not deserve it. But at least some of the old United drama was there. And at least they found a way to win. And in Anthony Martial, their match-winner, they have a special player.

It may be a while since we have said this but United played with considerable panache. Yes, it was only for 45 minutes and only against an Everton side that is in a wretched run of form and which appears to have lost faith with its own manager, Roberto Martinez. But still, in fits and starts, this was the kind of United performance that held out some hope that brighter times are not far away. Even if Van Gaal stays.

The first half was a bit more like the old United. A bit more like Sir Alex Ferguson’s United. It had youth and ambition and some beautiful skill. It had flair players who were way too good for the opposition. It had a captain in inspirational mood. It had that feel for a cup competition. It had the nose for a trophy.

Again, it was only an FA Cup semi-final, an afterthought in a captivating season that has been all about a Premier League drama in which United have played little part. But is it really too much to think that Van Gaal might preside over a United side that is challenging for bigger trophies next season?

Perhaps it is more through luck than judgment but United are starting to look like a team with a decent balance of youth and experience. It is a team coursing with potential. Martial is the jewel in its crown and it was no surprise that it was the Frenchman who made the opening goal for Marouane Fellaini in the first half.