Man United not good enough to win Champions League: Van Gaal

It was United’s sixth stalemate of a season in which Van Gaal’s cautious approach has been widely criticised.

Quotes from Man United’s official website paint a completely different picture, however, with Van Gaal praising the effect the 31 year old has on the team’s morale.

“That game [against Leicester], I said also in the press conference after, we lost because the referee gave a penalty, against Rafael, I remember that very well”. But you can’t say we played badly. Is there a strategy in place? “You never know. I think they would”.

Watford had a 2-0 win over Norwich City, Southampton and Aston Villa drew 1-1 and West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur also shared the points in a 1-1 deadlock.

The Red Devils have been picking up respectable results in recent months that sees them undefeated in their last seven matches. Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol, Xavi, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben to name a few have all worked under the philosophy of van Gaal.

They are now looking to continue their fine home form, having won twice without conceding.

When asked about his relationship with his players, Van Gaal said: “It’s good”.

The United manager, whose side will have to score to get the win they need at Wolfsburg on Tuesday to progress in the Champions League, added: “There is always a question mark but I’m pleased with the performance”.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned he will quit Old Trafford if he loses the support of his players.

For attacking midfielder Julian Draxler, beating United is not impossible.

This statistic said more about United’s current problems than the Hammers’ gritty and organised defending and it is something Van Gaal appears no closer to solving.

But this was not United’s worst display of the season. Under van Gaal – United do not look anywhere near that level. Incessant chants of “Attack!”. They play Wolfsburg on Tuesday.

Paddy McNair and Morgan Schneiderlin were both substituted against West Ham and may now miss the match in Germany, which United must win to guarantee their passage to the last 16. It is a mix of memories but they are very strong. The author concluded, “The link between Pep Guardiola and Louis van Gaal, who coached Bayern between 2009 and 2011, is crucial when considering how Guardiola will adapt to life in Munich”.

Varela (22) came to Old Trafford two years ago before spending last season in Real Madrid on loan. We need to score.