Van Gaal: Manchester United Philosophy Is To Attack

Louis Van Gaal insists his football philosophy revolves around attacking, despite recent criticism from Paul Scholes about Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal.

United boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this season with just eight goals conceded in 12 games, but have not enjoyed the same success going forward with 123 shots ranking as the fifth fewest in the league so far.

Van Gaal's approach was branded "laboured" and "pedestrian" by club legend Scholes and United fans were prompted into loud cries of "attack, attack, attack" during three consecutive goalless draws in October.

Speaking at the LMA annual conference, Van Gaal went into detail on the philosophy he is implementing at Old Trafford and the one he used Ajax - with whom he won the Champions League in 1995 - as an example of what he hopes to create with United.

"We [Ajax] didn't have any money and we were bankrupt, so I had to look to youth," Van Gaal said.

"We scouted [Jari] Litmanen, a Finnish player, who we bought for £10,000. We also bought Finidi George. He was a Nigerian international. He was £3,000. I paid it by myself! And then, we bought Marc Overmars.

"But the names that you do remember are [Clarence] Seedorf, [Patrick] Kluivert, [Michael] Reiziger.

"We won everything with very attacking football. I don't say it too much because otherwise Mr Scholes will be very angry!"

The Dutchman also spoke about how coaching has evolved during his time in football and believes he has been at the forefront of some of the advancements.

"I am also an innovator, and I have changed a lot in terms of preparing for games," Van Gaal added.

"I was the first coach who was with a notebook. Now everybody is with a notebook. I was the first coach who used video.

"I am from a time where you [the manager] did everything. Now I'm the manager and I have a sports science department, I have a scouting department, I have a medical department, I have assistant managers, I have assistant coaches.

"I don't do anything - nothing! I delegate. I delegate, and I earn a lot of money."

United return to Premier League action after the international break on Saturday with a visit to Watford.

Credit: Skysports.com