Van Gaal is not aiming for the title just yet with United
Louis van Gaal has dismissed Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League just four games into the new season.
United have taken seven points and scored just three goals during their stuttering start to the domestic campaign, fuelling concerns over the team’s attack.
At a fan event held at Old Trafford cricket ground on Wednesday night, Van Gaal told assembled Reds he expected the team to finish second or third this season, but compete in all three cup competitions, leaving him with one campaign to give supporters a title before he retires.
Since their breakthrough championship in 1993, the longest title drought United have experienced were the four years between their tussle with Arsenal in 2003 and triumph over Chelsea in 2007.
Van Gaal also reiterated his assistant, Ryan Giggs, will succeed him as United manager once he retires in 2017.
Van Gaal is adamant Giggs will succeed him as United manager
The Dutchman said in April he ‘expected’ Giggs to take over
but stressed to the 900 fans in attendance that United’s most decorated
player was their next manager – ‘no ifs or buts’.
LVG “Yes I spend a lot of money on Martial, but I buy him for my successor …. Ryan Giggs” #mufc pic.twitter.com/6barMkDILk
— Andrew curran (@dirtybuttsneeze) September 9, 2015
On an evening reports emerged that a delegation of United players had
confronted Van Gaal over his training regime, the United manager and
Giggs held court at Lancashire’s ground, with one fan describing Van
Gaal, who vowed United would beat Liverpool on Saturday, as a ‘total
showman’.
An hour on stage & loads of interesting things said / discussed
LVG quote “Don’t worry – WE WILL WIN on Saturday” pic.twitter.com/KeI8W3Eibc
— Peter Bolton (@PeterBolton3) September 9, 2015
Van Gaal heaped further praise on England’s record-breaker Wayne
Rooney, just 17 goals shy of surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton as United’s
all-time leading goalscorer, and described him as the best captain he
has ever coached.
Van Gaal has been impressed by Rooney
Rooney was mentioned, along with former Ajax and Barcelona
midfielder Ronald de Boer, Portuguese legend Luis Figo, Bayern Munich
icon Philipp Lahm and United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, as the
five best players Van Gaal has worked with.
During the hour-long
discussion, the United boss tipped Andreas Pereira to fill the void left
temporarily by Adnan Januzaj, who joined Borussia Dortmund on a
season-long loan in the transfer window, having performed ebulliently on
the club’s pre-season tour.
Great night chatting with these 2 at Old Trafford. Fascinating insight into running @ManUtd. Thanks to all who came pic.twitter.com/Vc2DLXmSWu
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 9, 2015
Brazilian Pereira, 19, enjoyed an excellent half against Club
America, scored versus San Jose Earthquakes and was influential in
United’s 3-1 win over Barcelona in the States.
Pereira made two
substitute appearances under Van Gaal last season and was named in the
matchday squad for the opening day win over Tottenham.
Pereira comes up against Moura and Verratti in Chicago
Van Gaal also confirmed teenage striker James Wilson has been
sent out on loan to a Championship club, believed to be Derby, with an
option to recall him. Wilson’s departures leaves United with just three
strikers in Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and £36m Anthony Martial.
James Wilson has gone on loan to a championship club according to fan event tonight with LVG and Giggs said he needs game time
— James MUFC (@J_a_m_o) September 9, 2015
James Wilson has gone on loan to a championship club according to fan event tonight with LVG and Giggs said he needs game time
— James MUFC (@J_a_m_o) September 9, 2015
Culled from ManchesterUnitedEveningNews
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