Skip to content

Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal criticises referee after FA Cup semi-final win over Everton

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Louis van Gaal says he is not looking beyond the FA Cup final with regards to his future at Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal hailed his team as “unbelievable” but criticised the referee as Manchester United beat Everton to reach the FA Cup final.

Anthony Martial's stoppage-time strike at Wembley meant United reached their first FA Cup final since 2007 as they saw off Roberto Martinez's men 2-1 in a frantic game.

Marouane Fellaini gave United the lead after 34 minutes before Everton staged an unlikely second-half rally with a Chris Smalling own goal handing them an equaliser.

Romelu Lukaku also had a penalty saved by David De Gea after Ross Barkley was fouled.

Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates scoring his side's second goal
Image: Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates scoring his side's second goal

Van Gaal was unhappy with referee Anthony Taylor, who he blamed for Everton's second-half improvement. 

"In the second half, I think the referee changed the match," he said. 

"I think the penalty was OK, I don't argue with that. I argue with all the 50-50 decisions went against us, and when you do that in a 10 or 15-minute period, you have a big influence on the game. After it went 1-1, we showed our mental spirit.

Also See:

I argue with all the 50-50 decisions went against us and when you do that in a 10 or 15-minute period, you have a big influence on the game.
Louis van Gaal on referee Anthony Taylor

"It was unbelievable. We were in the game, out of the game, and then we were in the game. We are lucky that we scored in the last minute, but we deserved to win. Everton also created a lot of chances."

The United boss was asked about the performance of Martial, who was awarded the man-of-the-match award by the sponsors, but revealed he still expects more from the Frenchman.

Louis van Gaal was critical of referee Anthony Taylor
Image: Louis van Gaal was critical of referee Anthony Taylor

"I still see a lot of things I think he can improve and he will improve because only my training and playing you can improve," the Dutchman said.

"When you are playing on a higher level, you improve, and when you are older, you know things shall happen again and you have experience so you can make better decisions in the same situations."