Scholes: United chief has worked out the system

 

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes new coach Louis van Gaal has solved the Red Devils’ winning equation already and that is to play a 3-4-3 with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata powering the frontline.

A promising start to van Gaal’s leadership at Man United has seen the dominant Dutchman win every one of his three fixtures on their US pre-season friendly tour.

First there was a thrilling 7-0 demolition of MLS side LA Galaxy last week, followed by a 3-2 defeat of Serie A side Roma on Sunday, then on Tuesday the Red Devils beat Inter Milan on penalties  – United netted a perfect 5/5 penalty kicks and the Italian side missed two.

This is no doubt reassuring stuff for the United fans who are optimistically looking to move onwards and upwards following a disastrous 2013/2014 season under van Gaal’s predecessor David Moyes.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes explained how the Dutch chief has drawn upon his wealth of experience of the various systems he has played during his time managing some of Europe’s biggest sides – including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team – to identify which formation will work best with the type players he has at Old Trafford.

Scholes is of the view the 3-4-3 formation van Gaal has exercised in the US pre-season tour will be the one he sticks with come start of the new season.

“He has played many different systems with whatever club he has been with,” he told Sky Sports News.

“With Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich he could play any system but I think when he has had a look at these players, this is the system he feels is best to cope with the squad.

“I think it’s designed to get his forward players in, he likes to get his two forwards van Persie and Rooney and the number ten in, which has been Mata.”

Scholes is confident van Gaal will carry on the sterling work he has started, producing entertaining displays for the United fans throughout their upcoming Premier League challenge. He believes they have much to be excited about.

“When you have got the quality of these players in your team you can only score goals. If he can work any system around those three then United fans are in for a good season and an entertaining season with a lot of goals.”

The Red Devils are set play two more fixtures on their summer pre-season tour, against Spanish sides Real Madrid and Valencia.

Their 2014/2015 Premier League campaign commences on 16 August and the will play Garry Monk’s Swansea City at home on their opening fixture.