Van Gaal Ready For Busy December

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is relishing the challenge of the busiest period of the season so far.

The visit of Stoke City on Tuesday kicks off a hectic December of six matches, quickly followed by the New Year’s Day reverse fixture at the Britannia Stadium and the third round of the FA Cup on the first weekend of January.

But despite the comfortable 3-0 win over Hull on Saturday, van Gaal refuses to take anything for granted as he reflected on the first third of the season.

“In the Premier League, nothing is easy and when you see Liverpool struggling against Stoke City for 85 minutes, it shows. Every game is difficult, and that’s why the Premier League is exciting because you never know," he told reporters.

“There is an atmosphere in the stadiums, the fans are always supporting their club until the end and that’s fantastic. That’s why I want to work here in the Premier League.”

It’s the first time the experienced Dutchman has embarked on the traditionally busy festive programme in England and, while he is concerned about the demands placed upon the players, he is ready for the task in hand.

“I cannot change it, I don’t think it is good for the players that they play within two days of a match," he admitted. "December shall be like that, and we have also family. I also have a wife, and kids and grandchildren and I cannot see them at Christmas.

“But, I want to work in the Premier League so I have to adapt and I shall adapt.”