The Belgian midfielder says Van Gaal instructed his side to press from the start, but the players "didn't show enough respect to the game-plan".
Marouane Fellaini insists Manchester United stars are to blame for their damaging Euro defeat at Liverpool – because they failed to follow Louis van Gaal’s orders,reports Steve Bates in the Sunday People.
With flak being hurled at the United boss from all corners after their abject display at Anfield, Fellaini has surprisingly come to the Dutchman’s aid before today’s must-win FA Cup showdown with West Ham.
The £27million Belgian revealed Van Gaal laid down a team pattern to contain Jurgen Klopp’s side in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie – but United stars IGNORED his instructions.
Midfield star Fellaini said: “We didn’t press well in the first half. I think the second half was much better and we had more possession of the ball.
Gallery: United go down at Anfield
didn’t show enough respect to the game-plan of the manager. That’s why we conceded a lot of chances.
“The plan before the game was to press from the start. We didn’t do it well at all first half so we changed in the second half and it was better.” Former United legends Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes blamed the 2-0 Merseyside mauling on a lack of leadership and cohesion at United.
And that’s prompted Fellaini to challenge his fellow players to show some balls as they try to rescue their season against the Hammers today, and in the return fixture with Liverpool on Thursday.
“The captains will talk when something needs to happen. I don’t think it is about the leaders. We all have to do better at it,” Fellaini said.
“All the players should be leaders. We need to play with.. (laughing and pointing to his balls).
“Against Liverpool it is always like this – lots of duels and lots of challenges. In the first half we were not ready. The team was not ready.
“But we have to forget the Liverpool game for the moment and focus on the next one. It’s a big game against West Ham for the semi-final of the FA Cup.
“It was already a big game – but now it is even bigger. It is a massive game for us and an important week in the future of the season.
“We will be focusing but we’re playing at Old Trafford and we have to win.
“West Ham have bought great players and have a good manager in Slaven Bilic.
“They are playing well at the moment and are full of confidence so we have to be careful. But we are at home so we will be ready.”
