Arsenal legend Paul Merson has claimed that under-fire manager Louis van Gaal deserves a lot of credit for having faith in Manchester United’s young players, Sky Sports reports.
Van Gaal has been under intense scrutiny and pressure these past few months, with the club being knocked out of the Champions League and unlikely to challenge for the title being 13 points behind league leaders Leicester City.
But in recent weeks, the Dutchman was forced to call up young players due to a high number of injured first-team stars, and the academy prospects that he selected have been incredibly impressive, especially 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has scored four vital goals in the last two games, while the likes of Guillermo Varela and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also fared well in defence.
And Merson believes LVG deserves a lot of credit, even feeling sorry for the former Barcelona boss amid talks of a summer exit.
“I feel sorry for Van Gaal a bit,” Merson said. “He could have come into United and spent all that money on 28-year-olds, proven footballers who have won things.
“That might not have helped the club in the long term but it might may have delivered a trophy. However, in three years time it would leave the club in a worse place than they are now.
“But he hasn’t done that. He went out and has bought youngsters for the future and has given other youngsters a chance.
“It’s not the same as [Arsene] Wenger, who has been manager for almost 20 years. Van Gaal has been there for less than two, so it’s a completely different case.
“He has bought players for the future for United as a club. He’s not thinking of himself, he’s hoping they are going to be in a better position when he leaves.”
United host Watford at Old Trafford in their next Premier League fixture.
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