Daley Blind, who was superb in policing the menace of Belgium striker Romalu Lukaku at Old Trafford, is a case in point.
“Daley Blind has played nearly all the matches, so I need to give him rest,” said van Gaal. “I don’t want to, because he is playing very well. I shall give him two days off, so then he is alright, I think.”
Anthony Martial, who scored United’s lone goal against Everton on Sunday, has also been a willing workhorse in United’s cause.
“I have already said that Anthony Martial, with his age (20) is an exception, because he has also played every match,” said van Gaal.
“To play every match then you have to be very strong and consistent, because every week I shall compare every player with his competitor, so it is fantastic what he is doing.”
Everton manager Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, has to ponder a fresh round of criticism from Toffees fans as he prepares for the weekend trip to Watford.
Told that many of Everton’s 3 500 following at Old Trafford had booed at the final whistle because they were “fed up”, Martinez replied: “We all are. You can hear our boos in the dressing room.”
Martinez wants to take 12th-placed Everton forward without panicking.
“We are a club where there has been a bit of a change of generation,” he said.
“A lot of players have come in. Incredible young talent needs know-how and lessons, and to develop,” the Spaniard added.
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