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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has defended manager Louis van Gaal and his philosophy and believes that United are playing similar to how they had under Sir Alex Ferguson during the last three seasons of his reign as the gaffer at the Theatre of Dreams reports Manchester Evening News.
There has been a growing sense of discontent among the Old Trafford faithful and former players alike regarding the style of play imbibed by the Dutch manager at the club. Paul Scholes and Roy Keane are among many who have been quite vocal with their disappointment and have labelled the side as ‘boring’ and ‘ineffective’.
However, Van Gaal appears to have found some respite as Ferdinand has become the first former player to seem content at the state of affairs of his former club. The former defender echoed Van Gaal comments on how points were more important than goals at this point of time in United’s resurgence. The defender also compared the Dutch tactician’s philosophy with that of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
"When I was a player my main aim was to win a trophy first and win it playing exciting football second, and that seems to be Van Gaal’s too," said Ferdinand.
"It wasn’t always exciting in my day at Old Trafford, either.”
"Certainly during the final three seasons under Sir Alex it was more a case of us getting over the line than anything cavalier.”
"However, there was certainly a lot more ambition and threat in our play than there is currently with United."
United knew what they were getting when they hired Van Gaal: Ferdinand
Ferdinand highlighted the achievements of the Dutchman since the start of his reign at Old Trafford and seemed to be content with the result. Though he felt that the football on display hasn’t been exciting, he acknowledges the stability he has brought to the club which is there for all to see aa United are currently second in the League table, above rivals Manchester City.
"United knew what they were getting when they employed Louis van Gaal, so there can be no complaints now," he added.
"In many ways, why should there be, given where he has taken the club in 18 months? From seventh place to second and now, despite Wednesday’s goalless draw, they are within reach of the knockout stages of the Champions League.”
"Given that the Man United hierarchy looked beyond the man’s CV, they knew they were getting a manager who played a precise, possession-based game,” he added.
"It is not a game in the best traditions of Old Trafford. Instead, he was someone who would stabilise the situation and put the club in with a chance of winning trophies again.
"That is what he is doing but, no, it is not very exciting," signed off Ferdinand.
