Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has asked his club’s fans for patience as he tries to instil his philosophy.
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A second-string United team suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat by MK Dons of League One in the League Cup on Tuesday.
On the same day they broke the British transfer record by >signing Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for £59.7 million ($98.9 million), United were beaten in unceremonious fashion.
“It is very difficult when you start as a manager in the Premier League with a home loss and then a draw and then after that you lose in a cup match,” Van Gaal said.
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“For the fans, it is very difficult to still believe in the philosophy of Louis van Gaal. But, you have to do that because I am here and I am here to build up a new team. The process needs time. We know exactly what we are doing. We have lost in the Capital One Cup, so tonight has cost us the chance of a trophy, and that is disappointing.”
United’s 4-0 defeat followed a 2-1 home loss to Swansea in their Premier League opener and a 1-1 draw at Sunderland last weekend.
Van Gaal took over the United job in the summer and the club have spent more than £130 million in the transfer window so far.
But the Dutchman, formerly the manager of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands, said he was not shocked by the result on Tuesday. “I know what can happen,” he said. “A new team is not built in one month. We made too many errors. I have no regrets about my selection but the changes were risky.” Van Gaal said he was looking forward to integrating Di Maria into the side.
“I have bought Di Maria because he can play inside and wide. It’s very handy,” he said.
“When I was coach at Bayern Munich, I bought Arjen Robben and he could also play on the wings and inside. Then I always had the opportunity to change.”