'Moyes Didn't Get Three Years, Why Should Van Gaal? '- Manchester United Legend McQueen

In a frank interview, the Scot says the manager will have to show “major progress” this season, criticised the club’s defenders and says Daley Blind is “negative”
Manchester United legend Gordon McQueen believes Louis van Gaal made a “big mistake” asking for three years to sort out the club’s woes.
The Dutchman took the reigns in the summer and initially insisted that he be judged after three months, but he has reassessed the timescale after the club suffered its worst start to a league campaign since 1986.
And McQueen, who spent seven years at Old Trafford, says he can think again.
“There is no chance that Van Gaal will get three years to turn round the club,” he told Goal. “He’s made a big mistake there and I’m surprised he said it.
“He already lives and breathes United so must know that is never going to happen. Perhaps he has already realised it’s a tougher job than he first feared.
“His predecessor David Moyes didn’t get three years, so why should he?
“He will get longer than Moyes because his CV is more impressive and he has proved he can do it a big clubs, but expectancy levels at United are still high and he has to show major progress this season.
“A top-four finish is a prerequisite, particularly after the club being out of the Champions League this season. As it stands, there are no guarantees on that score.
“United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday at Old Trafford and we should feel grateful for the three points, but that is where the club is at the moment – two years ago that would have been a given.”
McQueen was a central defender by trade and identifies the back-line as a continuing key area of concern for Van Gaal and the Red Devils.
“United have had concerns in central defence since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic started having injury problems, but they’ve not addressed it,” he added.
“I expected Van Gaal to sort it out, but while Marcos Rojo might come good in time, he’s also out injured with a dislocated shoulder.
“There is a frightening lack of experience in central defence. I like the look of Paddy McNair, but he’s been pitched into defence even though he is really a midfielder.
“He needs to learn his trade, and it isn’t easy. I had Norman Hunter alongside me when I went to Leeds, and when I came to United, it was Martin Buchan. Who has McNair got? Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
“Injuries account for the dozen or so central defensive partnerships there has already been this season, but it doesn’t matter who you have, unless you have a settled unit you are going to struggle.
“I hope Van Gaal makes central defence his priority in the January transfer window, if not it will cost him dear.
“The problem is that good ones don’t grow on trees and transfer fees seem to go through the roof in January. Everyone knows it’s a problem for United and they can name their price.”
British record signing Angel Di Maria started his United career impressively, but according to McQueen the €75 million summer purchase from Real Madrid has gone off the boil in the last month.
McQueen continued: “Just like any other United fan, I was looking forward to watching Di Maria do what others can’t do. That is what comes with the price tag.
“When you pay that kind of money, you need to dominate games, but he has dipped in and out too many for my liking recently.
“I’m confident he will come good because he was highly rated at Real Madrid and I know that Cristiano Ronaldo loved him as a player.
“We need to see more from Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao who also came with huge reputations. Blind is a different type of midfielder to what United really need. He is quite negative and lacks creativity. There isn’t enough impetus coming from midfield.
“ Falcao’s United career hasn’t got going because of injury so it remains to be seen if he is going to put enough pressure on Robin Van Persie, who won us the league almost single-handed two seasons ago, but has not been the same player since picking up injuries.”
Source: Goal.com

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