LVG: I’d rather watch City than boring United
LONDON: Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes the club have become more boring under his successor Jose Mourinho, saying he would prefer to watch local rivals and Premier League leaders Manchester City in action.
During the Dutchman’s twoyear stint as United manager from 2014, the club secured fourth and fifth-placed league finishes along with an FA Cup triumph, but Van Gaal was regularly criticised for his negative tactics.
Mourinho’s United won the League Cup and Europa League in his first season in charge but the Portuguese has been accused of “parking the bus” in big games, and Van Gaal says the former Chelsea boss deserves more criticism.
“I would rather watch City play than United,” Van Gaal, aka LVG, was quoted as saying by the Mirror. “You need quality in a squad and it’s clear City have a better squad.
“...And yet, right now, looking at United, I have to conclude Mourinho is not being criticised while it’s far more boring football. What United produce now is defensive football. I always played attacking football... They don’t do that now because Jose Mourinho plays so defensive.”
City are on a record 14-game winning streak in the league while United, who finished sixth last season, lost 2-1 to their neighbours on Sunday to slip 11 points adrift of them in second position.
Van Gaal, who was sacked the day after his FA Cup triumph, clarified that he had no personal issues with Mourinho but hit out at United CEO Ed Woodward, saying that the 46-year-old did not openly communicate with him.
“I have more problems with the CEO, Ed Woodward. He never discussed anything with me – and you can talk about anything with me,” Van Gaal added.
“With all my experience, I know the unwritten laws of football. A club has to prepare for the future. I can understand that and they should have approached me. Ed could talk to me but he did not.”
Soccer-Arsenal’s Mustafi out, Ramsey doubtful for West Ham game
Meanwhile Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out of today’s Premier League game at West Ham United due to a thigh injury and midfielder Aaron Ramsey is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Arsenal are fifth in the standings and will be looking for their third consecutive league win over relegation-threatened West Ham who beat champions Chelsea in their last match.
“Mustafi will not be back. He may be fit to face Newcastle on Saturday,” Wenger told reporters yesterday.
“We lost Ramsey against Southampton; everybody else should be available.”
Wenger also underlined striker Olivier Giroud’s importance to the club, saying that the 31-year-old was not an impact substitute and will get chances to start.
“He’s a very important player and I have big respect for him. Look how many French caps he has got since he came here. He’s not wasted his time. I can understand his frustrations,” Wenger added.
“He’s played many games... more than (Alexandre) Lacazette for example. At a big club with many strikers, you can’t guarantee. Personally, I want him to stay at the club until the end of the season. Then we will see.”