Robson backs Van Gaal

Louis Van Gaal is under plenty of pressure at Manchester United at the moment, but former Red Devils captain Bryan Robson believes he has done a good job.

“You have to give the manager the best he asks for,” said the former England player. “When a new person comes in with new ideas, you have to implement them and play the way the manager wants to.”

“Players need to enjoy their football, not just for fans but for themselves. Fans have to be little more patient with the manager, in giving him the time to get the team to play his way.”

At the moment, Manchester United are far from a solid choice for punters interested in football betting. They play Derby in the FA Cup on Friday, but 10/11 with Coral seems much too short for their current shortcomings, yet Robson feels Van Gaal is making progress, slowly but surely.

“Louis Van Gaal wants to build a solid base for his team,” said the former West Brom manager. “He has actually achieved that with the midfielders. Manchester United has midfielders who play the ball a lot more; their work will strengthen the defence.”

“Now, we need to tell the midfielders to move forward and score more goals, so that the team does not always have to rely on Wayne Rooney or Anthony Martial to get the goals. If we can get there, there is a great season ahead for Manchester United.”

Van Gaal is a world renowned coach, but his current failings and the revolving door of new managers in the Premier League means his job is under threat.

Robson admires Guardiola too and although he’s not too sure about him replacing Van Gaal so quickly, the former Middlesbrough boss said he would like to see the Spaniard in England.

“He has said he would like to manage in England. Hopefully that happens, because the best coaches, best players should be in the Premier League,” said Robson. “Time will tell which team he will coach. Guardiola in the Premier League will be good.”

“He was a great player, was a great coach at Barcelona and at Bayern and can be a big influence on the English game and the Premier League as well.”