Louis van Gaal has taken time, since the game against Yeovil, to applaud the fans for their general support and discuss his ongoing dissatisfaction with the performances of the team.
Manchester United haven’t lost in a couple of months and that has to be seen as a positive after a dreadful 2014. But, with three draws in their last 4 league games, they haven’t exploited the slips of Chelsea and Manchester City to cut the gap to the top of the table, which currently stands at 9.
The Manchester United manager was quick to complement the fans for their unwavering support after a poor return in the first ten games:
‘The first feeling I had was especially after 11 matches, when we had 13 points, and I came into the stadium walking and I thought now the fans shall not be pleased,’ he told MUTV. ‘But they were rising up and clapping their hands when I entered the stadium.
But he quickly returned to his more officious self to state that he is still a long way from having a complete team.
I have had the time to know all my players and they are very good. It’s an exciting time and it’s why I became a manager – because I want to work with young people; it keeps you young, and you can make a team out of it.
‘We are still building up a process. I think, as a trainer/coach and manager, that I have to analyse the performances of my players because that is the most important thing and that shows how far we are in the process.
‘That is still not good enough, in my opinion, but I hope we shall improve.’
For Manchester United it is now or never if they really want to make a title charge this season. The main rivals have some tough games coming up and will drop points. If Manchester United can capitalise this time then they may just be able to apply some pressure. Certainly the return of Angel di Maria will be key to any push. The penetration and speed he brought to the team when he came on against Yeovil reminded us all of how much he has been missed.
