Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has revealed that his reason behind substituting Robin van Persie in Tuesday's 3-0 FA Cup win over Cambridge United was not linked to injury.
Van Persie was replaced by James Wilson - who later scored - on 65 minutes and the Dutchman headed for the tunnel at Old Trafford, prompting fears over his fitness.
The 31-year-old striker has spent a number of brief spells on the sidelines this season, most recently last month with an ankle injury, but Van Gaal insists that the substitution was pre-planned.
"I said already [to Robin] at half time, 'I shall change after 60-70 minutes because I want you to play against West Ham United'," he told United's official website.
"It's always difficult to play three matches in a week. I have given rest to five players. I think that when we have won, after the match I can say it was a very good decision.
"I gave van Persie a rest during the match and also Di Maria, and I gave Ashley Young minutes to play because he is back again."
Juan Mata and Marcos Rojo helped the Red Devils into a 2-0 half-time lead, before Wilson capped the win on 74 minutes as United set up a fifth-round clash at Preston North End.
Shane Callaghan
