Stam Backs United To Win Titles Under van Gaal

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has backed Louis van Gaal to deliver trophies during his managerial reign at Old Trafford, and believes the Reds will challenge for the Barclays Premier League title next season.

Stam helped United win domestic triumphs in each of his three full seasons at Old Trafford and played an integral part in the club's historic Treble success in 1998/99.

The towering defender also worked under van Gaal during the latter's first spell as manager of the Netherlands and is keen to see his former boss succeed in England.

"Louis van Gaal is a great builder of a team; he’s proven that in Munich and Barcelona," Stam told ManUtd.com, in an interview to promote this summer's Legends Are Back match. "He knows what to do, he’s got his own thing that he wants to do, he keeps following that and that’s why he’s had success. In terms of next season, if he can bring in a couple of new players and carry on working with the youngsters, telling them what to do and showing them videos, he’s going to win the league I think. Hopefully next season.

“He’s a manager with a lot of qualities and a great temperament; he’s done well at Barcelona, Bayern and the national team, so everyone in both England and Holland is expecting a lot of him. Everyone wants him to do well at United and to win trophies again.

“Maybe United need to defend a bit better to win the title. Chelsea didn't play the most attacking football, but they got results, and I think that’s what you need as a team and a manager. It’s good for the team and the players if you’re getting results and winning the league, so if they keep playing attacking football and don’t concede as many goals, eventually you’ll get results and win the league as well."

Having been revered for his 'no nonsense' style during his time at United, Stam also commented on the importance of having solid defensive foundations, and is glad to see that the art of tough tackling is alive and well in the Barclays Premier League.

“It’s very important to have a settled back four," explained Jaap. "Especially at United, when you’re playing against other quality teams in Europe and in the Premier League – you need a defence with players that can be used alongside each other. They need to know what to do in certain situations so that without thinking, certain things happen and the players are helping each other.

“I’ve read and seen a couple of times that the manager is perhaps struggling to find the ideal situation in terms of a back four that can perform for a couple of seasons in a row, but the defenders are still very young and that’s something you need to think about. They’ve brought in some experienced, high-quality players but still have a young defence that I think needs to work together for a certain period to get maximum results. That’s how it goes in every team, if you’re building, you need time to get results.

“I think you can still be aggressive [as a defender], especially in England. Here in Holland, the referees whistle for every little thing, but in England I see tackles flying around and the referee still waves play on. You can still play very aggressively in the Premier League, which was one of my favourite things to see."

Stam was speaking ahead of the 'Legends Are Back' event at Old Trafford on 14 June, when a team of ex-United players will face Bayern Munich All Stars. For tickets, see ManUtd.com/legendsareback.