Ronald Koeman Claims Louis Van Gaal’s Tactics Are Holding Manchester United Back

Posted by

The Southampton boss has a fractious relationship with Louis van Gaal…

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that Louis van Gaal’s tactics are holding Manchester United back, reports Goal.com.

SEE MORE
Manchester United News And Transfer Rumours
Arsenal To Fight Off Manchester United Competition To Sign £25m Starlet
Jamie Carragher Insists Manchester United Could Find It Hard To Keep David De Gea

The Dutchman believes that the Red Devils find it difficult to build up attacks when they are playing in what appears to be his compatriot’s prefered system of three at the back. The Mancunian club did not have a single shot on target during their 1-0 defeat to the Saints. It was their second home loss of the campaign, following the 2-1 reverse against Swansea City on the opening day of the season. It was the South Coast club’s first win at the stadium since 1988.

The hosts played with three centre-backs, including returning midfielder Daley Blind. Koeman seems to have predicted that this would cause the Old Trafford based side problems with trying to pass the ball out from defence to attack. His team were notable for the manner in which they pressed the United players, and forced them in to mistakes.

“You know that they have difficulties to build up with three centre-backs,” the Southampton boss told reporters of his old adversary’s line-up. “[In] the second half we pressed them better than the first. They have a lot of qualities from the midfield to the attack, fantastic players, so you need really good players to stop that.”

The win meant that the 51-year-old’s team leapfrogged van Gaal’s side to go third in the Premier League. The former Barcelona player will be especially happy because of his long running feud with his opposite number.

More Stories Manchester United FC Southampton FC