Van Gaal also warned of the threat to United posed by “nasty” record-seeking Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, who proved such a menace against them in last season’s corresponding fixture which Leicester won 5-3.
Advertisement
The United boss said: “He was already last season a very nasty player for us”. He scored, won a penalty, and now he has scored in 10 games in a row and when you do that then you are a great player.
“Van Nistelrooy didn’t play so much with me, I was at Ajax and he was at PSV”.
When asked whether he was anxious about criticism from supporters, Van Gaal said: “Because the fans have to be happy, you are playing for the fans so you can not deny that”.
United’s last-gasp 2-1 win at Watford last weekend gives them the chance to go top with a win at Leicester, but Neville believes a hard-fought draw will instead be the outcome.
Phil Jones and Ander Herrera are still out for United.
Van Gaal began his United tenure playing with three centre-backs, but ditched the formation when it became abundantly clear his players were not comfortable with it.
“I cannot say that also because these kind of injuries you cannot predict. I don’t think it is weeks, but I think within two weeks one of the two can come back”.
Amid all his problems, the Old Trafford skipper recently moved to within touching distance of Charlton’s record 249 goals for the club, and is equal with Dennis Law on 237. It is so tight and I don’t even look at the league any more because it is very, very tight.
“I hope he will continue the way they are playing because they are near the top of the table”.
“He does not have too many possibilities to play on a higher level”.
The likes of Depay, Martial, Rooney have all struggled to perform at their best under Van Gaal. “It’s great for us to improve”.
Van Gaal’s side have drawn 0-0 in four of their past seven games, having only scored six times in eight games. From seventh place to second and now, despite Wednesday’s goalless draw, they are within reach of the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Advertisement
Surprise leaders Leicester host United at the Walkers Stadium in the late game looking to add another victory to what has been a dream start to the season. “His defensive line is fantastic, it is very hard to break their lines”.
