Ferguson defends Van Gaal and urges for patience at United
Former Manchester united great, Sir Alex Ferguson has leaped to the defence of current under-fire United manager, Louis Van Gaal.
By Matthew Pintus
Former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has jumped to the defence of under fire manager Louis Van Gaal.
United are currently sixth place in the Premier League and are out of all the cup competitions. Since taking over in 2014, Van Gaal, has spent over £250 million on player recruitment.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Ferguson urged the Old Trafford faithful to be patient: “It is easy to be critical but you have to be realistic about some things - the number of injuries he has had: Phil Jones has played only seven games this season, Ashley Young, (Antonio) Valencia, (Luke) Shaw, these are big losses.
“It doesn't matter which team you are, if you have players missing of that calibre it has to have an impact on the team.
“The other aspect which is always easy to forget there are also five new players in their first season at United, and two are young players in (Anthony) Martial and Memphis (Depay) and their promise is good.
“You have to have some patience being a Manchester United fan and they have shown that over the years; in Matt Busby's time, in my time.
“For 150 years of history it is worth having a couple of years on the quiet side of success because they will always come back and come back strong.''
One of Van Gaal’s noted successes during his time with the club has been in his nurturing of young players.
"You have to give him credit; he's given nine young players their debut. I think the future is good,'' Ferguson said.
One in particular, Marcus Rashford, was singled out for special praise by the Scotsman: “Rashford is an example of what I think is Manchester United.
“They are the one club in England who will always identify a Rashford and give a young kid a chance - there is no better club in England at giving young kids a chance.
“Rashford is a sensation and one of the best in years.''
Van Gaal’s Manchester United are up against Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Kick off is at 4pm.