LOUIS VAN GAAL has said that his switch to a 4-4-2 formation against QPR on Saturday was not because of fans calling for it.
United began with the now regular three at the back at Loftus Road but again struggled to assert themselves until the tactical change was made. The switch came after clear chants from the away fans for 4-4-2.
With the formation changed United looked a much better team and scored twice to run out 2-0 victors.
However van Gaal was clear that the change was not down to supporters’ calls.
“I cannot observe the fans because how many fans do Manchester United have? You cannot take into account 600 million opinions.
“To look at the players, to communicate with the players, to observe and to analyse: that’s my job.”
“Before this match I have already thought about this shape and to play it. Then I look to my players in a training session and I look to my game plan and then I choose, and that’s dependable also from what I see at the training ground.”
The 3-5-2 formation that van Gaal has remained with this season has come in for a lot of questioning with United looking restricted in creation, especially at the back.
Radamel Falcao has also come in for a lot of criticism recently with his goalscoring prowess being questioned, as well as his exorbitant wages.
However van Gaal was very clear in saying that the cost of the Colombian does not merit him a place in the team ahead of anyone else.
“Every player gets his time, no matter who you are,” he said.
“It’s not relevant [that more money has been spent on Falcao]. We have 29 players so then we have to talk about 29 players, not just one player.
“Before this match I have already thought about this shape and how to play, then I look to my players in a training session and I look to my game plan and then I choose. You can’t always give the credit to the most expensive player and, if a young player never gets a chance, then I’m not a very good manager.
“I have to treat all of the players at the same level with the same rules and same demands. It’s difficult to understand because the outside world is thinking, when you pay a lot for the player, then you have to put him in the squad.”
