Michael Carrick (left) was a late sub in Man Utd's win over Newcastle last Wednesday
Carrick earned a bench place at Old Trafford as Ander Herrera and Daley Blind started the quarter-final clash, before coming on for Herrera at half time.
There were calls before the game for Carrick to make his first start since late January after getting a two-minute run-out against Newcastle last Wednesday.
But Van Gaal insisted he was happy with his usual midfield and claimed he had a plan up his sleeve to beat Arsenal.
Arsenal-Man United is special - Wenger [AMBIENT]
"What's the plan? That we beat Arsenal! That's the most important thing in a Cup tie," he said.
"Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Premier League but I have noticed that they have played more defensively lately. With a lot of success.
"It is not so easy to recover from an injury for Michael Carrick and then play in a Cup tie. Daley Blind is doing well and Ander Herrera too. Carrick has to wait.
"I have been to Wembley as a spectator but not as a coach and that is more interesting."
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