The club, not used to anything below a top two finish for most of the past two decades under Sir Alex Ferguson, found themselves in a disastrous seventh-place finish last season and out of contention for a third European Champions League trophy.
When the Dutch mentor replaced David Moyes as manager, most fans believed him to be what the doctor ordered for an instant return to success, but he believed otherwise this week, despite his side having recently posted impressive results in the pre-season, which included a 7-0 hammering of Italian giants AC Milan last weekend.
However, the former Netherlands national team coach said early this week that there were some difficulties he faced in resurrecting the fortunes of Premier League giants, claiming the squad was “imbalanced” and adding he was inheriting a “broken” squad.
"I don't agree,” van Gaal told reporters when asked whether his task would have been harder had he directly taken over from Ferguson, highlighting the fact that he won the League in his first season in charge when taking over Barcelona in 1997.
“I had to follow Bobby Robson at Barcelona the year after he won three titles and there wasn't a problem. When there is success you have a very good squad, and now I have to follow and the squad was broken I think.”
The 62-year-old felt he had a strong side, but with too many similar players in similar positions, thus creating an imbalance.
"When you look at the squad, there is quality. There is Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, but you also see Juan Mata, Fellaini and you see Herrera. There are a lot of players that can play in the same position,” added the manager.
Post published in: Football