Under Louis van Gaal, Manchester United Bored for Schmeichel
Under Louis van Gaal, Manchester United Bored for Schmeichel
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MANCHESTER - Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has begrudgingly admitted that it now 'bores him to death' to watch the club he loves.
The former goalkeeper, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-winning side in 1999, also said that all the Scot's work in his 26 years at Old Trafford have been undone since his departure.
Ferguson left Manchester United in 2013 after winning the Premier League for a 13th time, but the Red Devils are now set to miss out on Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.
And speaking to Sky Sports ahead of United's final game of the Premier League season against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, Schmeichel said the club had been 'dragged in completely the wrong direction'.
"Manchester United – a club that I love and have followed since I was a kid – have bored me to death this season," said the 52-year-old.
"We are one of those clubs that has been dragged in completely the wrong direction. We never used to play football the way we play now. We never played for 1-0 and then defend. We always went for the second goal and the third,"
Sixth placed United have scored two fewer goals than Sunderland this season going into the final game of their campaign, despite the Black Cats only confirming their escape from relegation last week.
Van Gaal has been criticised for his defensive approach throughout his reign, with former United players such as Paul Scholes persistently hitting out at his side's displays – leading to the Dutchman saying they were trying to get him sacked.
Winning the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday could be some consolation but Van Gaal's job still hangs very much in the balance.
Schmeichel, whose son Kasper lifted the Premier League trophy with Leicester this season, added: "All the hard work that Sir Alex (Ferguson) put in to recover what was there from Sir Matt Busby has been undone in a very short period of time,".
"I, as a fan, want to be winning but to entertain equally as much, too. I want exciting players," said Schmeichel.
The former goalkeeper, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-winning side in 1999, also said that all the Scot's work in his 26 years at Old Trafford have been undone since his departure.
Ferguson left Manchester United in 2013 after winning the Premier League for a 13th time, but the Red Devils are now set to miss out on Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.
And speaking to Sky Sports ahead of United's final game of the Premier League season against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, Schmeichel said the club had been 'dragged in completely the wrong direction'.
"Manchester United – a club that I love and have followed since I was a kid – have bored me to death this season," said the 52-year-old.
"We are one of those clubs that has been dragged in completely the wrong direction. We never used to play football the way we play now. We never played for 1-0 and then defend. We always went for the second goal and the third,"
Sixth placed United have scored two fewer goals than Sunderland this season going into the final game of their campaign, despite the Black Cats only confirming their escape from relegation last week.
Van Gaal has been criticised for his defensive approach throughout his reign, with former United players such as Paul Scholes persistently hitting out at his side's displays – leading to the Dutchman saying they were trying to get him sacked.
Winning the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday could be some consolation but Van Gaal's job still hangs very much in the balance.
Schmeichel, whose son Kasper lifted the Premier League trophy with Leicester this season, added: "All the hard work that Sir Alex (Ferguson) put in to recover what was there from Sir Matt Busby has been undone in a very short period of time,".
"I, as a fan, want to be winning but to entertain equally as much, too. I want exciting players," said Schmeichel.
(rnz)
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