Louis van Gaal: Andy Carroll "has special qualities"

Louis van Gaal has conceded that his Manchester United side will have to be wary of the threat posed by West Ham United striker Andy Carroll during Wednesday night's FA Cup quarter-final replay.

Towering centre-forward Carroll bagged a hat-trick at the weekend as the Hammers played out a 3-3 draw with Arsenal.

Ahead of his own team's visit to Upton Park, Van Gaal has admitted that the English frontman "has special qualities".

"He has special qualities. We have seen that in the match that he played on Saturday," the United boss told reporters.

"It was against Arsenal and they have great central defenders but still he could do that. So we have to cope with Andy Carroll."

Carroll has found the net seven times in all competitions this term.