Although Manchester United are close to the league leaders in the Premier League, their style of football has garnered much criticism, and it appears as though the players themselves are not best pleased with the style of play
Manchester United have not been the most exciting side to watch his season — a view reaffirmed by their soporific 0-0 draw against PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford on Wednesday — and Louis van Gaal’s style of play has come under scrutiny from pundits and fans alike.
Although the Red Devils’ inability to score goals and play attacking football hasn’t cost them as yet in the Premier League, their draw on Wednesday means they are now in an extremely precarious position in UEFA Champions League Group B, most likely needing a win in their final game against Wolfsburg away to go through.
Unnamed Manchester United player unhappy with style of play
A mystery Manchester United player reportedly confided in reputable Telegraph reporter Jason Burt, expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s style of play, which he felt was unfair on him and the fans. Burt spoke to radio show BBC 5 live, and is quoted by Bleacher Report as saying:
“I’ve got to be careful what I say here but I’ve spoken to one player at United who told me he’s half the player he can be here at the moment because of the way they are playing.
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“He doesn’t feel that it’s fair on him. He doesn’t feel that it’s fair on the fans.
“He can’t express himself properly and finds it very difficult to play here.”
Van Gaal needs to adapt or face the consequences
Although the Dutchman can be credited with improving the Manchester United defence — particularly players such as Chris Smalling — his stubbornness is perhaps costing the team going forward. His insistence on playing an out-of-form Wayne Rooney, for instance, has been criticised heavily by Manchester United fans, who would rather see Juan Mata in his favoured role behind the striker.
The sporadic use of fellow Spaniard Ander Herrera has also been confusing to many, given he has always performed to a relatively high standard when he has been given opportunities, and most importantly, has been able to contribute to the attack — something the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger have as yet failed to do convincingly.
The veteran manager needs to bring attacking football back to Old Trafford, and if nothing else, find a way to get his team scoring again.