Louis van Gaal claims he needs three years to return Manchester United to greatness – and insists he will be given the time.
United have 13 points after 10 games, four fewer that at this stage last season, which ended with David Moyes losing his job.
It is their worst return after 10 games since 1986, when Sir Alex Ferguson was brought in to take over from Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford.
“It’s not good enough,” said Van Gaal. “I feel very lousy for the fans and the board because they have a great belief in me, my staff and my players.
“When you have 13 points from 10 matches you aren’t doing well, but we’re in a process.
“I said from the beginning the process shall take more than one year. It will take three years, I hope, because that’s always dependent on a lot of things.
“I think it shall be and we shall make it happen, that we shall win a lot of matches in a row.
“I have experience that people have a great belief in what we are doing now and in the way we are playing football.
The former champions are down in 10th place, despite favourable fixtures to start the season, and have yet to truly click under new boss Van Gaal.
Moyes was handed a six-year contract when he took over from Ferguson, but was sacked last April after 10 disastrous months in charge.
Although United have struggled to adapt to Van Gaal’s philosophy, the Dutchman does not believe he will suffer the same fate as Moyes.
And Van Gaal said: “When I am in the streets I have been surrounded by very positive sayings. When I was at the United gala, the fans were very positive.
“It’s a process. I cannot say when the results are coming. When I did it with Bayern Munich it was December 8, but it could be February 1 here.
“But it doesn’t matter because it is a three year process. I have signed for three years.”
Asked why he felt so confident he would survive when Moyes, who was given similar assurances by United, did not, Van Gaal was blunt.
“That is only the belief in yourself and the players and the staff,” said Van Gaal. “That is based on that.
“I cannot speak for him [Moyes]. I can only speak for myself. I have already given the answer.”
United are without central defensive trio Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, the first two injured, while the latter is suspended.
That means Van Gaal, also missing Radamel Falcao, will pair midfielder Michael Carrick with Paddy McNair or Tyler Blackett in central defence.
Source: Mirror
