Throughout the first-half of Manchester United’s 2-0 win over QPR, the travelling away fans were chanting “4-4-2!” at Louis van Gaal.
The 3-5-2 formation has become increasingly unpopular amongst the fanbase, so the supporters were keen to see the manager revert to United’s more typical formation.
At half-time, Van Gaal replaced Juan Mata with Marouane Fellaini, then later Jonny Evans with James Wilson. United’s second half performance was much improved with both substitutes scoring.
However, Van Gaal insists that he won’t be swayed by the fans’ preferences, rather what is better for the team.
I have to look at the players and I have to communicate with the players and observe the players. I cannot observe the fans because how many fans do Manchester United have? All over the world we’ve got 600 million. You cannot take into account 600 million opinions. To look at the players, to communicate with the players, to observe, to analyse and so on. That’s my job as a manager. Before this match I have already thought about this shape and to play it. Then I look to my players in a training session and I look to my game plan and then I choose, and that’s dependable also from what I see at the training ground.
