David Gill, the former Manchester United chief executive who remains a director at the club, has admitted the current season under Louis van Gaal is one of underachievement given the manager’s £250m-plus investment in the squad.
United lost 1-0 to Southampton on Saturday at Old Trafford in what was the latest dismal performance from Van Gaal’s team. It has again raised questions regarding the Dutchman’s position.
While Gill would not be drawn on Van Gaal’s long-term future, he did admit United’s fifth place is not good enough. “Clearly we all hope the results will be better – everyone’s disappointed, I feel as much as non-executive director as a fan,” Gill told the BBC. “[This is] undoubtedly a season of underachievement. I think everyone would agree with that given the investment that was made. Everyone there is working extremely hard to turn that round. It’s not easy.”
Asked about the pedestrian style of play, Gill said: “I don’t want to talk about quality [of football] – but I’m not going to sit here and say it’s that attractive. For me, what we did in the past was great – you’ve got to have the players to do that. The Ryan Giggs running down the wing, [David] Beckham etc, [Paul] Scholes. Manchester United going back to the 50s with Matt Busby, when I started supporting them, with George Best, they played in a certain way. I’m sure we want to do that. We want attacking football I’m sure that will be a key part going forward.”
Since becoming manager in summer 2014 Van Gaal has brought in 13 major new players at a cost of more than £250m. When contacted by the Guardian, United would not be drawn regarding Van Gaal’s future.
