Van Gaal could yet end a troubled season with silverware as United reached their first cup final for nine years.
Getty Images
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes referee Anthony Taylor almost cost his side a place in the FA Cup with a series of decisions which "changed" the semi-final win over Everton. Anthony Martial struck a 93rd minute winner but not before the Toffees staged a fine second half comeback.
Marouane Fellaini's goal had United on course for a first final in nine years thanks to his first half finish. The Merseysiders improved significantly in the second period and after David de Gea saved Romelu Lukaku's penalty, Chris Smalling turned into his own net to draw Everton level.
Amid a climax to the game in which both sides had chances to win it, United had Martial to thank after his stoppage time finish. After the game Van Gaal was delighted with the result but questioned the display of Taylor.
"The first half we were the better team," the United boss told reporters. "We created the better chances and we could finish more. In the second half the referee changed the match and then De Gea stopped a penalty. I have to say I thought the penalty was a penalty, that I don't argue with.
"I argue with over the 50-50 duels that was not in our favour and they do that in 10-15 minutes in a row and you have a big influence in the game. After that we score the won goal and then you saw that we are showing a mental spirit because we were back in the game, we were out of the game but then we were back in the game.
"Only the last pass was not always good, but then Anthony scores a fantastic goal. We are lucky that we scored in the last minute but we deserved to win. Everton created a lot of chances."
While United have the final to look forward to on 21 May against either Crystal Palace or Watford, who will contest Sunday's semi-final [24 April], the club are also pursuing a Champions League place. The Old Trafford club trail fourth placed Arsenal by four points heading into the last four games of the season but Van Gaal says the club's board will dictate if the season has been a success.
"It is not for me to judge, it is for the board of Manchester United," he added. "You can also be positives about this semi-final, you can also ask about football. You can. I am curious."