While van Gaal had to wait four games in the first season to record his first league victory, he has guided the club to consecutive wins this season in addition to the 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs. PHOTO: AFP
Van Gaal chopped and changed his side at the start of his United reign last season and had to wait four games for his first Premier League win.
But 12 months later, the United manager is reaping the rewards of selecting a more settled line-up.
And while he may make the odd tweak against Newcastle this weekend, with Bastian Schweinsteiger pressing for a full debut in midfield, continuity appears to be the key.
That is particularly the case in defence with the same goalkeeper and back four likely to continue their ever-present records, having played together for every minute of United’s two Premier League wins and their midweek 3-1 Champions League playoff first-leg victory against Club Brugge.
Smalling is one of those to have benefitted from van Gaal’s policy and he should carry on alongside Daley Blind in the middle of United’s defence.
The England international is convinced the selection policy is paying off as van Gaal’s side have kept clean sheets in their league games against Tottenham and Aston Villa this season.
“Last season there were many changes which made it hard to get a good run,” said Smalling.
“But this year it’s different. The togetherness and the work ethic is showing on the pitch.”
United’s winning start has made them one of four teams with 100% records in the Premier League.
And with an early kick-off to look forward to against winless Newcastle on Saturday, Smalling wants United to steal an early march on their rivals for the top spot.
“We must continue our good start. It is another home game and we have to assert ourselves early on,” he added.
“It is good that we again get to be in the first game that plays and, hopefully, set the benchmark for the weekend.”
Pochettino calm over Tottenham’s sluggish start
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is refusing to fret over his side’s sluggish start to the season ahead of Saturday’s tricky trip to in-form Leicester City.
Pochettino’s team are already playing catch up after collecting just one point from their opening two Premier League games, and the Argentine’s squad is also lacking depth due to the club’s cautious approach in the transfer window.
Against Leicester, who boast a 100% record, Pochettino could do with a positive result to lift spirits at White Hart Lane.
But the former Southampton manager insists there is no reason to panic at this early stage.
“You look at the table after 10 games. Then you need to be worried or maybe you are happy,” said Pochettino.
“It is very long season and we need to keep the same level and improve defensively and be more consistent. We know we face a very difficult game against Leicester.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2015.
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