Van Gaal: Our Spirit Is Fantastic

Louis van Gaal admits he would have liked more time to work with the players not on Manchester United's hugely successful trip to America but says the "spirit is fantastic" in his squad ahead of the start of an eagerly-anticipated new season.

Van Gaal can reflect on a triumphant start to life as United boss during Tour 2014, presented by Aon, in which he implemented a new tactical system and won five matches, against LA Galaxy, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Liverpool, the latter delivering the International Champions Cup.

"The spirit is fantastic," he told MUTV. "I enjoy working with this group because the players want to show themselves as a team and that is very important. When I see the second half [against Liverpool], after a very weak first half, I think we are doing great but it's better to do it from the first minute.

"The way we have done this tour is a big surprise for me. I'm not used to that. It's amazing the impact that we have in the United States. It is amazing that more than 350,000 fans [have watched us out here] because more than half I think were Manchester United fans. Unbelievable. They were all in red. Beautiful."

It's not just the fans that have impressed the Dutchman. The Reds have looked in great shape despite his limited time in charge, but he is mindful he has not even worked with some of his charges who are back at the Aon Training Complex.

Although the friendly with Valencia will present him with more opportunities to test his squad, van Gaal appreciates the start of the Barclays Premier League campaign is rapidly approaching.

"I wish that we start a little bit later," he added. "For example, Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj and Nick Powell are not here. Robin van Persie started yesterday so we are not ready yet. But, okay, we will have to train in the season more than ever to make sure we are prepared."

The boss is planning some frank discussions with the players about the future on his return to Manchester as he shapes his squad for 2014/15 before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

"Obviously, I have seen a lot and that's good," he asserted. "Because then I can give my opinion and also what their perspectives are in the future and then they can choose.

"We have to be honest. We have to give advice to the players now at this moment and not at the end of August. Then we can't change anymore and they don't have a choice. Of course it's difficult to say something after two weeks but I think you have to say something."