Van Gaal gears up for a hectic window

MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal admits he is likely to face some disappointment in his hunt for new recruits during the next transfer window.

United remained fourth in the Barclays Premier League table after a 2–0 win over 10–man West Brom.

Van Gaal’s men are four unbeaten in the league and if they beat PSV Eindhoven after the next international break, they will qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

But despite Anthony Martial’s impressive start, the team’s excellent defensive record, and Jesse Lingard’s emergence, Van Gaal is not totally happy with his squad.

Lingard and Juan Mata provided the goals at Old Trafford against the Baggies, but they are not quite quick enough for the United manager.

“I have said already in my first year many times we need speed and creativity on the wings,” Van Gaal said.

“Now we play with Jesse Lingard and he is not the most speedy winger in the world, and Mata is also not the most speedy winger in the world.

“So first we must first finish that problem and then we can see how we play and how we are in balance with playing with speedy wingers.”

Van Gaal has dipped into the youth squads to fill the gaps left by injuries.

Andreas Pereira has played three times, Axel Tuanzebe was part of the squad for last month’s draw at Crystal Palace and Cameron Borthwick–Jackson became the 29th United player to make his debut under Van Gaal on Saturday.

Van Gaal has also put his faith in Lingard following Memphis Depay’s lacklustre start to life at Old Trafford, but despite his pride at fielding youth players, Van Gaal concedes he may still have to enter the transfer market in January.

The Dutchman has plenty of targets, but admits he will struggle to land some of them.

“No, it is dependent,” Van Gaal said when asked if the emergence of these youngsters would stop him buying new players in January.

“It is dependent for instance on the rehabilitation of Luke Shaw – how long it will last.

“It is also dependent on what I can buy. I want to buy a lot of players, but not all the players I want are for sale. So there are a lot of factors in it.”