Robson: Van Gaal Is The Man For United

Club legend Bryan Robson believes Louis van Gaal needs just a “couple of top-class players” to return Manchester United to the summit of English football.

Having spent time together during this summer’s tour of America, Robson is convinced the Dutchman is an outstanding candidate for the manager’s seat at Old Trafford and says the Reds aren’t far away winning trophies once again.

“When we were in America on the pre-season tour, I had a couple of nights out with him [van Gaal] and he is very impressive,” Robson told Talk Sport. “He is very organised and he knows exactly what he wants from the players and from his staff.

“He is an impressive guy and he knows what he wants. He will stick by that and that is why I am sure he will change things for the better. I am sure he will do a good job for Manchester United.”

Quizzed on United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League and challenging for the title, Robson said: “As far as I’m concerned, I think if United just sign a couple more top-class players then I think we will be up there challenging with the best.

“I still feel with people like Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, if I was a manager in the Premier League then I wouldn’t change those three for anybody in any other club. That’s the quality we have got within the club and it’s a matter of building on top of those types of players.”

Having lost to Swansea City on the opening day of the season, United must bounce back during this Sunday’s trip to Sunderland and the Stadium of Light. Although the Blacks Cats are riding the crest of a wave following last season’s Premier League survival heroics, Robbo is confident of a victory.

“You look at the way that Sunderland finished last season. Everyone thought they were going down but they had some fabulous results against United, Chelsea and Man City. They pulled themselves out of it and have started with a good performance at West Brom this season, getting a draw.

“No game in the Premier League is easy and you can’t take them for granted. You have to earn what you get. But With Louis van Gaal and the way he sets the team out, I think it does away games rather than home games and I will be very disappointed if we don’t get a result.”