Carrick: Injuries no excuse for Manchester United

“The silence in the dressing room was big”, explained Van Gaal.

The Mexico global left United for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer in a £7.3m deal after being deemed surplus to requirements by Van Gaal. Francis grew up as a United fan.

When he’s winning, he can say and do what he likes but when he is losing, confidence looks an bad lot like blind arrogance and I believe we have arrived at that point.

Hernandez has enjoyed an excellent start to life at the Bayer Arena, with 17 goals in 20 appearances so far this season, while United have been struggling in front of goal.

Although United are fourth in the Barclays Premier League, they have not won since Watford striker Troy Deeney scored a 90th-minute own goal in their 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road on November 21. His name alone commanded the respect of players across the world, attracting a considerably high grade of players than the name Moyes did. The philosophy that Louis van Gaal has talked about for so long, it’s hard to distinguish what that is. “Manchester United are going backwards again and I don’t see that changing because the manager will not change”, said Ferdinand, who has huge contribution in the club’s six Premiership title wins.

“I don’t think they have that aura anymore”, Francis said.

In his weekly blog, the 27-year-old wrote: “In these moments is when we have to stick together more than ever”.

Man United exited the Champions League last week sources close to several Man United journalists suggested one of Gareth Bale, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo will be transfer targets in the summer.

According to the report the players are frustrated with Louis Van Gaal’s approach and have questioned his methods.

Rafael also stated that though he had opportunities to play in the Premier League, he preferred to go for a new challenge.