Former Chelsea hero Ruud Gullit, who won the FA Cup with the Stamford Bridge club in 1997, has criticised his compatriot Louis van Gaal for Manchester United’s transfer business this summer, as reported by the Daily Express.
While Man Utd beat West Ham 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, it was one of only two wins in all competitions.
Van Gaal was brought in to replace David Moyes, who led Man Utd to seventh in the Premier League last season, and the hope was that he could rejuvenate a faltering side.
However, aside from another home win against Queens Park Rangers, Van Gaal’s side have struggled to put together any consistent form.
Two losses in particular stand out, with the 4-0 defeat against MK Dons in the League Cup showing the side’s weakness in reserve.
The game against Leicester City, which they lost 5-3, highlighted their defensive struggles, with the side conceding four without reply, having led 3-1.
Gullit is particularly critical of their recruitment, questioning the sensibility of not adding in defence.
He said: “How on earth is it possible that such an experienced and successful manager thought he could start the season at Man United without buying a couple of really strong central defenders?
“I am still amazed by his buying and his transfers. If you only strengthen the midfield and the attack, than you are underestimating the level and the power of the Premier League.
“If you want to survive in the top flight of English football, you start with the foundation and you build the roof of your house last. Van Gaal has done it the other way round.”
With further injuries in defence, Gullit has questioned the decision further.
He added: “Now matters are even worse because of all the injuries in his defence. He is having to fill one gap after another
“And if you have so many injuries and you have not bought the defenders, then you are doing something wrong at your club.
“Van Gaal is learning lessons right now. He sees that his defenders are having to deal with the strongest strikers in the world. They bash into his young defenders. In England there are different laws in football.
“I do want him to be successful at Man United, but by the time he has repaired his team at the back, it will another three months down the road.”