Goal Drought? It’s A Moment In A Process – Louis van Gaal

Speaking after Manchester United’s barren draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Van Gaal said he had no idea what Martial’s best position is, saying the position he is placed is often dictated by the general team composition. “Football is scoring goals”, the Dutch manager added. “Maybe Anthony Martial shall continue scoring goals and helping us to win the matches but I expect also that he shall have a dip in form”.

325 minutes without a goal..

“I have seen periods and tendencies in Manchester United like in other clubs”. “When I see the characters I don’t think they doubt about that quality”.

The manager also emphasised just how important the backing of the fans will always be to his team, stressing the need for collective support during Tuesday’s tricky match against CSKA. And, surely, after three goalless draws, he’s at least starting to think.

“We weren’t able to create good chances”, United midfielder Juan Mata said.

“We don’t know yet”.

“That is not a big issue for me but it is more a big issue for the players”, said Van Gaal. “I make decisions dependant on the game plan, the opponents and their weaknesses”.

“We have played with him in the striker position. In Monaco he played more or less always on the left wing”.

Man United fans online meanwhile, were more certain on how they viewed the goal drought situation. “We have had chances that we could have finished”, the Dutchman said.

While it didn’t appear to change his methods on Saturday afternoon, perhaps Van Gaal showed the first signs that he is growing frustrated with the way his players are understanding his philosophy and that in turn left him disappointed with the display.

And legendary former England striker Shearer believes Van Gaal would be wise to take his captain out of the firing line.

“(United’s style) is different, patient, but when they dominate possession they are looking for that moment, incision.

“United – and it doesn’t happen very often – were probably fortunate to get a point”.

“It might seem odd to say this as we are just 11 games into the season”.

Palace made a bright start and tested visiting goalkeeper David De Gea but fell back towards the end of the first half and were under the cosh when the whistle blew for half time.