Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has acknowleged in public that his side’s recent displays this season has at times left him “bored or angry”. Van Gaal has been under consistent pressure as United continues to suffer a bad run of form. Old Trafford has been lacking the attacking football that was characteristic of the erstwhile Manchester United sides under Sir Alex Ferguson.
In their last FA Cup match on Saturday against Sheffield United, the Red Devils had a tough time trying to find the net. Sheffield United are ninth in League One. The Red Devils only had two shots on target and a chance to score came for Manchester United to save themselves from humiliation only at the very last moment in the form of a penalty, which Wayne Rooney successfully convered.
Paul Scholes, United’s legendary midfielder, appeared as a pundit on television and went on to say that Van Gaal looked bored on the bench – just like the rest of the spectators.
United only provided two sparks during this season, once against Chelsea where there was attacking intent but the match ended in a 0-0 draw. The other instance was against Swansea City where United won 2-1.
Fans can’t always expect fantastic football: Van Gaal
Van Gaal has however finally admitted that just like the fans, he himself has felt the performances of his team to be monotonous but the Dutchman has not failed to defend his team from the media whom he addressed as “very negative”.
“There are matches that I have enjoyed very much. Against Chelsea I enjoyed it but the result was 0-0 and we could have lost,” Van Gaal explained.
“There are also matches where I’m very bored or angry because we are not disorganising our opponent’s defence, but that is football. It’s not every match that every club is playing fantastically, football that attracts the people.
“They have been ironic [against Sheffield United] but that’s an expression of the fans and that’s good. The players were frustrated and the fans were frustrated.
“But the fans also have to know we can’t always play fantastic football and that was also the case in former days when it didn’t happen. I’m sorry about that, but it is like that.”
United are now fifth in the Premeir League whilst Arsenal sit at the top – nine points above United. After an eight-match winless run, United managed to clinch a win against Swansea City. But only one win at such a level will not do much to save Van Gaal from the fans’ criticism.
The Red Devils are to face Nescatle United today as they travel to St. James’ Park.
