The Red Devils have endured a difficult season thus far and sit five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, leading to criticism of the Dutchman, who is now under intense pressure
Manchester United’s players are not adhering to Louis van Gaal’s philosophy, resulting in their dramatic dip in form, according to former Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta.
Van Gaal has come under intense pressure in recent days and admitted that he has failed United’s supporters following the club’s insipid 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
United are now five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League, with 15 games of the season remaining, and Mendieta believes Van Gaal has thus far failed to transmit his preferred style of play to his players.
"That is hard to tell from a distance,” Mendieta told Goal when asked why Van Gaal has floundered in recent months.
“But it is obvious, that something is not working and the team does not play 'Van Gaal football'. His idea on how United should play is not showing.
“It looks like he has not reached the players with it (his ideas)."
Mendieta believes Van Gaal’s problems run deep at Old Trafford, as the Dutchman has been so successful elsewhere, having won league titles in three separate countries.
"Van Gaal is an excellent manager who had success everywhere, And the football he usually prefers should fit the Premier League. The problem must be deeper, but I don't know, what it is,” he added.
Across the city, Goal understands that Manchester City are set to appoint Pep Guardiola as their new manager this summer, and Mendieta feels the Bayern Munich manager will improve the Premier League.
"Whether it is City or not, Guardiola will be a blessing for the Premier League. He makes the league even more interesting and better,” he said.
“But until the summer he won't deal with it. For him only the treble with Bayern counts. It is his last mission in Munich.”
- Goal