Thursday, 28th August, 2014
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown feels that Manchester United players are finding it difficult to play in Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system.
Van Gaal implemented the 3-5-2 system with the Dutch national team in the World Cup and achieved success with a third place finish for the Netherlands.
The Dutchman is trying to emulate his Holland blueprint at Manchester United and in pre-season the club won all their games, barring one.
However, Manchester United’s start to the season has led to criticism from various corners over Van Gaal’s insistence on playing three central defenders at the back.
The Red Devils lost their first league fixture against Swansea at home and only managed a point away to Sunderland last weekend.
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Criticism reached a fever pitch when the 20-time English champions were knocked out by League One side MK Dons from the League Cup on Tuesday after a humiliating 4-0 loss.
Van Gaal has asked the Manchester United supporters to keep faith in his philosophy and said that he requires time to implement his ideas at the club.
However, the former Barcelona manager has come under scathing attack from Keown, who feels that the Manchester United players are not feeling comfortable playing under Van Gaal’s system.
"He's persisting with this three at the back, and I don't believe the players are picking it up well enough, they don't seem to understand it", the former England defender told BBC Radio 5 live.
Manchester United will take a trip to Burnley this Saturday and it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman continues with the 3-5-2 system or change his method to reverse poor results.
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