Holland legend Ruud Gullit has openly criticized new Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal, stating that his transfer decisions over the summer have been terrible.
Van Gaal spent over $225 million on Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, and Daley Blind over the summer, but a majority of United fans believe that a central defender should have been purchased too. This a view that Gullit shares .
“How on earth is it possible that such an experienced and successful manager thought he could start the season at Man United without buying a couple of really strong central defenders? After the departure of Nemanja Vidic to Inter, and Rio Ferdinand to QPR it was obvious that new central defenders were needed. And he had 200 million in his chequebook to spend. If you don’t use part of that to buy strong, experienced central defenders you have the wrong idea about the Premier League.”
Gullit went on to note that he believes Van Gaal , who has previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, has severely underestimated the Premier League.
“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.”
Gullit confirmed that he wanted Van Gaal to be a success at the Old Trafford club. However, he feels that his Dutch heritage is what has led him to make these mistakes, as he is more accustomed to playing an attacking brand of soccer that isn’t as focused on defense.
“I do want him to be successful at Man United, but by the time he has repaired his team at the back, it will another three months down the road. I feel that his transfer policy at United and his choice to buy only midfielders and attackers is down to his Dutch background. In Holland he grew up only thinking about attacking football.”
Van Gaal took over from David Moyes as Manchester United manager in the summer. The former Everton coach led United to a disastrous 7th place finish during his one season in charge at the club, which came just a season after United had won the Premier League for a 20th time.
What do you think of Louis Van Gaal’s transfer policy at Manchester United so far?
[Image via Sportskeeda ]
