Monday 26 January 2015 13:20, UK
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted he feels uncomfortable when his team adopts a 4-4-2 formation.
Van Gaal faced criticism from United fans for the first time last week when a section of the travelling support at Loftus Road demanded he switch his 3-5-2 formation against QPR to a more attacking 4-4-2 system.
After a goalless first half, the Dutchman did switch to four at the back at half-time and United eventually ran out 2-0 winners but, despite the turnaround, Van Gaal insists he does not like the formation.
"We have won more with 4-4-2 in a diamond, but when you analyse the game then we have twitched on the bench," the United manager said.
I have twitched because we were out of balance. All the matches when we play 4-4-2 like against West Ham United (when 10-man United scraped a 2-1 win), it was always twitching and I don't like it.
"I have twitched because we were out of balance. All the matches when we play 4-4-2 like against West Ham United (when 10-man United scraped a 2-1 win) it was always twitching and I don't like it."
Van Gaal believes his team need more time to adapt to the 3-5-2 formation and is confident United’s play will improve as they become more comfortable.
"They are still not comfortable (with 3-5-2)," Van Gaal said. "That is very important that they are comfortable. I would like them to feel more comfortable.
"But we have to do our preparation in the season so we are doing a lot of things during the matches.
"But we have had a fantastic run of results except Southampton at home. Up to now I am pleased and we are going in the right way."
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said on Monday Night Football that United’s defenders are spending far too much time on the ball in the 3-5-2 and criticised the team’s tempo for being too slow.
Despite the criticism from fans and the media, Van Gaal insists he will continue to lay the team out as he sees fit and he is confident he retains the support of the people that matter at Old Trafford.
"The discussion about the system is coming so it is ridiculous,” Van Gaal said.
"I have to communicate with my players and observe my players and analyse my players and my team and my opponent and the quality of my opponent and then I have to make a decision with my staff.
"But I cannot hear or listen to what the media are writing or what other people are saying or writing.
"They are never at the training ground and not attending the meetings.
"My staff is attending the meetings and my players so I have to work with them and a board that believes in the manager and these players."
