Former England boss reveals the problem with Louis van Gaal's Manchester United

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is under intense pressure at Old Trafford

 

GLENN HODDLE admits teams are starting to enjoy playing Manchester United at Old Trafford.

 

The Red Devils are currently on a three-game losing streak that includes an early exit from the Champions League after losing 3-2 to Wolfsburg and back-to-back defeats against minnows Bournemouth and Norwich. 

Norwich were not fazed by the often intimidating surroundings of Old Trafford as they inflicted defeat on United for the first time at home this season.

As a result of United's poor run of form, Van Gaal has come under intense criticism from fans and former players for his 'boring' style of football. 

 

This scrutiny has ignited rumours that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could take over at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting that if Van Gaal was to suffer a Boxing Day defeat to Stoke then he could be sacked and replaced by the 52-year-old. 

Although United lost their first home match to the Canaries they have already drawn six games at home.

And, in light of this, former England manager Hoddle believes that United's problems can be traced back to the very start of the season and that the fear factor often associated to Old Trafford has gone.

 

"Van Gaal has got a big job to do to turn it around. I could see problems there at the beginning of the season," he told PA Sport.

"The fixtures were kind and they didn't have too much of a test. They were winning scruffy. And when they got a test - and they got tested at Arsenal - they lost. 

"Teams are actually looking forward to going to Old Trafford and that never used to be the case. It isn't the place that it once was and there is a lot of work to be done." 

United currently sit fifth in the league and are nine points behind leaders Leicester.