“I don’t believe in an interventionist God.”
Nick Cave might have been right, but Louis van Gaal will certainly be cursing whoever it is that seems to have something in for him this season.
The Dutchman saw Manchester United’s hopes of reaching the top four, and Champions League football, receive a significant boost on Sunday.
Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal means two wins from two in the club’s final games will see LvG secure the all elusive top four finish, and in all probability another season at Old Trafford as manager.
However, his short-lived dreams of recording handsome wins against West Ham and Bournemouth this week have been dealt a major blow with news of a hamstring injury to Anthony Martial.
The France international missed the win over Norwich after pulling up in the warm-up, and it seems his brittle hamstring could see him rest the end of the league.
Martial KOed pic.twitter.com/saNZ6pWIPa
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) May 7, 2016
According to The Telegraph, the striker will be monitored this week with the hope he can feature against Bournemouth on the last day of the season.
Van Gaal is conscious not to aggravate the injury ahead of the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace later this month as he closes in on silverware that could go a long way to helping him keep his job.
However he may have to plan without his top scorer for three games that may very well define his legacy at the club.