Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal faced a backlash from the club’s legion of supporters after Tuesday’s Champions League exit, but according to the Dutchman, fans must accept that the Red Devils cannot always win.
The 20-time English Premier League champions lost 3-2 to Wolfsburg to bow out of Europe’s top-tier league in the group stage, and will now try their luck in the Europa League, a feat which the Dutch tactician believes should not be overlooked.
However, the former Netherlands manager insists that the glory, glory Man United days were nothing but victory was expected is a thing of the past, with competition in European football having risen due to the flood of money.
“I work hard, my players work hard, now we are in the Europa League and we have to work hard to win that,' said Van Gaal, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth.
“That is not easy. But nobody hears that – they don't want to hear me.
“They say a club like Manchester United has to win. That's the past. You have the club to analyse [as it is] now and compare it with ten years ago. There has been an evolution in European football.
“We have to analyse where we are. I think you can also say that there were a lot of positive things.
“But when you don't want to see them that's not my problem.
“I don't want to mention them. I can say them but I don't want to defend myself.”
For a side struggling to replicate the magnificent trophy-laden Sir Alex Ferguson era, Van Gaal argues that winning the Premier League or the Champions League is more difficult now than it was 15 years ago.
“Only one club can win the Champions League each season,” added the Dutchman.
“It is not so easy to do that now, in this age, 15 years later.
“Back in that time, Barcelona had great money, Real Madrid had great money. Who else? Manchester United maybe and Bayern also. Maybe three clubs or four.
“Now we have much more clubs who have the money. Also the structure to win something. It is the same in the Premier League.”
Manchester United will resume their English Premier League campaign with a trip to Dean Court, as they look to return to winning ways after two consecutive draws.
