Van Gaal: Solskjaer Benefiting From Mourinho

By Joshua Walters

Louis van Gaal has downplayed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's influence on Manchester United, claiming that the Red Devils' caretaker coach is benefiting from the foundation laid by the former manager, Jose Mourinho.

Van Gaal believes the Norwegian has not changed Manchester United's playing style from what it used to be under Mourinho, which was one of the key reasons the Old Trafford club sacked the Portuguese trainer.

Even worst is that Manchester United, according to Van Gaal, are not as entertaining as they were during his days at the club, but he was still sacked because the club thought that the style of play was alien to what it was used to under the former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"The way Manchester United are playing now is not the way Ferguson played.

"It is defensive, counter-attacking football. If you like it, you like it. If you think it is more exciting than my boring attacking, OK. But it is not my truth.

"Solskjaer has just lost twice and he has to manage that. It is very important that Manchester United qualifies for the Champions League. As it was when I was the manager.

"But they can also win the Champions League because they play a defensive system and it is very difficult to beat them, which, whether you like it or not, is the result of Mourinho's work.

"What I don't like is Ed Woodward contacting my successor, knowing in his mind he will replace me and he keeps his mouth shut for six months.

"Every Friday I had to go into press conferences and be asked what I thought about the rumours. What does that do to the authority of the coach?

"To win the FA Cup when, for six months, the media has a noose around my neck, is my biggest achievement.

"I spoke to Woodward the day after that game. His argument was that I was only going to be there for one more year and Mourinho would be there for three, four or five.

"I appreciate he hired a private plane to get me back to Portugal but his arguments were not good enough."