The machine that is Louis van Gaal is ready to forgive his squad’s ‘human’ errors ahead of the Saturday’s home game against West Ham.
United conceded two penalties in last weekend’s capitulation at Leicester, including losing youngster Tyler Blackett to a late red card, but Van Gaal insisted that the side will move on.
The Dutch manager has dismissed the 5-3 defeat as a blip and is now focussed on overcoming the Red Devils’ poor start to the season.
“I don’t think my players are robots – they are humans and make errors. It’s about overcoming things,” said Van Gaal.
“It’s very important to get an aura back at Old Trafford. It’s very important to win your home games.”
“It is a big challenge. This club is in a transition but we will overcome things.”
The Hammers arrive at Old Trafford full of confidence having comfortably beaten last year’s runners-up 3-1 Liverpool last time out.
Meanwhile, United, who are missing nine players through injury, are searching for only their second win of the Dutchman’s tenure – but have already romped to victory against London opposition this month, dispatching QPR 4-0 last time out at home.
The manager believes that United might present the toughest challenge of his career so far but wants to be judged come the end of the season.
“This is maybe my toughest job but we will have to see [where we are] in a year,” said Van Gaal.
“At the moment, we have nine injuries and one suspension with Tyler Blackett, so the younger players can have their chance now.”
Manchester-born Blackett had played every minute for United in the Premier League before seeing red against Leicester.
With a host of defenders including Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Blackett unavailable for this weekend, the new boss has hinted he is prepared to return to the academy to bolster his depleted squad.
“There are vacancies [in the starting eleven]. I will have to go to the youth education [system] and pick players from there,” said the manager.
“The young players are always ready. They are hungry to play the game.
“United’s youth education provides that. There’s a big difference between youth games and the Premier League but in one game you can show [prove] yourself.”
Under-21s captain Tom Thorpe, who spent time on loan at Birmingham City last season, is one of several candidates who could fill the void in the Dutchman’s defence.
Image courtesy of MUTV and Orion Pictures via YouTube with thanks
