Manchester United boss Van Gaal frustrated as he calls for more goals and attacking flair

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is frustrated with his forwards lack of goals

IN his mission to turn Manchester United into winners again, Louis Van Gaal is working from back to front.

 

Despite his side's solid start to the new campaign that has seen them remain unbeaten, manager Van Gaal has been left frustrated.

United have kept three clean sheets in the Premier League and conceded just one goal - to tonight's Champions League opponents Club Brugge in last week's 3-1 win.

Van Gaal has established a solid and settled-looking back four of Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and fit-again Luke Shaw.

But while overcoming the defensive problems that have plagued United for the last 18 months, Van Gaal now has another one to solve higher up the field.

 

United might be stopping goals but they are also struggling to score them.

It is something rarely associated with United down the years, but Van Gaal's side have scored just twice in three league games.

Even that brace consists of an own goal from Tottenham's Kyle Walker and a deflected shot from Adnan Januzaj.

Captain Wayne Rooney has still to get off the mark and has looked a shadow of his former self after going 10 games and more than 800 minutes without a goal.

 

It would be difficult to imagine Sir Alex Ferguson ever saying such a thing, but Van Gaal is adamant United must improve their flair and attacking play when they have the ball.

"Until now, of course, our defensive organisation has pleased me most," said Van Gaal.

"I divide football into four main moments and we have two moments where the opponent has the ball and then we are at our best, I think.

"We proved that last year already and now we are continuing with a lot of clean sheets so that is very important, but we have to improve when we have the ball."

At least United should not have to worry about having to score too many goals to see off the challenge of Brugge in this second leg.

 

United take a 3-1 lead into the tie and are red-hot favourites to go through to the group stage draw on Thursday following last season's shock exile from club football's biggest competition.

Marouane Fellaini's last-gap strike at Old Trafford last week has given United a comfortable cushion and the Belgium giant is hoping to continue his impressive progress under Van Gaal following a woeful first campaign under David Moyes.

Fellaini has operated in numerous positions since the Dutchman took charge but continues to pop-up with crucial goals.

And he could yet provide an unlikely solution to the problem of United's toothless attack.

Fellaini said: "At the moment we don't concede the goals, we can score, everyone knows we have a lot of quality in the team and can do well in the Champions League.

 

"In the past I played no.10 and no.9 sometimes when I had to help the team, I can play there and help my team mates and my team.

"It's not important where I play, it's important to win the game.

"It's different playing midfielder to striker or no.10, but I enjoy all the positions I can play.

"Everyone knows my first season was difficult, but that's in the past and now I look forward.

"Last seaaon I did very well and I want to continue like that, I know the philosophy of the manager and am looking forward to doing well and scoring some goals."