According to Ruud Gullit, fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal has so far wasted his transfer budget in his debut season managing Manchester United.
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Manchester United have struggled to make an impression in an injury-ridden start to Louis van Gaal’s debut season as manager of the former champions, with two wins, two draws and two losses in the league, currently laying in seventh place — where they finished last campaign. The lowest point of the season so far came in a 4-0 defeat to League 1 side MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Under van Gaal, United spent a record-breaking sum of money, splashing out on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera amongst others, with a loan deal for Falcao also secured.
Ruud Gullit felt that van Gaal’s inability to secure a much-needed centre back is a cause for concern, and has led to his poor start in the league.
“How on earth is it possible that such an experienced and successful manager thought he could start the season at [Manchester United] without buying a couple of really strong central defenders?,” Gullit stated to De Telegraaf (per Daily Mail).
“I am still amazed by his buying and his transfers. If you only strengthen the midfield and the attack, than you are underestimating the level and the power of the Premier League. If you want to survive in the top flight of English football you start with the foundation and you build the roof of your house last. Van Gaal has done it the other way round.”
Manchester United, as well as acquiring a number of talents, were forced to let go of a handful of experienced defenders, including Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. While Patrice Evra has been replaced by youngster Luke Shaw, van Gaal’s only central cover came in the form of Marcos Rojo, who has mostly been utilised on the left.
“Now matters are even worse because of all the injuries in his defence. He is having to fill one gap after another. And if you have so many injuries and you have not bought the defenders, than you are doing something wrong at your club.”
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