Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has called for patience with regards to turning the club’s fortunes around.
The Dutch manager is not enjoying the fans who are expecting instant success in his first season at Old Trafford.
Expectations increased over the summer, first when van Gaal guided a young Dutch side to a third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup and only losing their semi-final via a penalty shootout to Argentina. Then the club’s performances over in the USA where they beat the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool increased expectations further.
Manchester United were sent back down to reality in their opening game of the 2014-15 Premier League season when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Swansea City.
Speaking to Sky Sports, van Gaal said the fans were very fickle:
“Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester and now I am the devil of Manchester. It’s the football world and it is especially the media in this football world.”
Louis van Gaal suggested he isn’t expecting any silverwere this season after the club finished seventh in the Premier League under David Moyes last season:
“I think the fans of Manchester are intelligent. I’ve already said that it shall be difficult in the first three months, for the players and also for the fans. I’ve said it to Ed Woodward and the Glazers that this is what it is.
“They have hired me for my philosophy, not because I’m a nice guy. I am a nice guy but that’s not why I was brought here.
“I’m not hired to be fired. I’m hired to build up a team. That process needs time. I bring another philosophy in the club.
“You have to believe in the philosophy that again we make a big club but it needs time. It is not an overnight job.”
Manchester United have so far made three transfers during the summer window following the arrival of the Dutch manager. Luke Shaw joined from Southampton but is yet to make his debut following an injury picked up pre-season.
Ander Herrera joined from Athletic Bilbao and started last weekend’s defeat.
After a poor defensive showing versus Swansea with the trio of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Tyler Blackett at the back, Manchester United spent £16 million on Argentina left-back Marcos Rojo from Sporting Club this week.
Manchester United travel to Sunderland on Sunday looking to put their first points on the board this season.
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