Video: Michael Owen slams Louis van Gaal for ruining Manchester United squad

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Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has criticised boss Louis van Gaal for not improving the current squad despite heavy investment.

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Speaking to BT Sport, the 35-year-old lambasted the way in which the Dutch tactician sold so many crucial players in the last 18 months and in his opinion, hasn’t rebuilt successfully.

Between Owen, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes who were all on the panel after watching United’s Champions League exit on Tuesday night following a 3-2 loss at Wolfsburg, the trio were able to rattle off a list of former stars that Van Gaal has sold during his tenure.

Rafael, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Shinji Kagawa, Nani, Adnan Januzaj, Robin Van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck have all been sold in the last season and a half, and Owen is adamant that that group was stronger than the one currently at Van Gaal’s disposal.

That comes despite the fact that the former Ajax boss has invested £250m in the squad, as noted by BT Sport, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin ultimately failing to successfully form a new core to the side.

With their Champions League participation over, United will now focus their attention on domestic matters where they trail Premier League leaders Leicester City by three points after 15 games.

Meanwhile, they will also aim for silverware in the form of the FA Cup, and it remains to be seen how seriously Van Gaal takes the Europa League after his side finished third in Group B and so drop down to Europe’s second best competition.

Nevertheless, with so much criticism hanging over him after United’s performances this season, the Dutchman is certainly under pressure to turn things around quickly or face the threat of being replaced.

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