Manager Louis van Gaal expects Manchester United’s superb defensive record to come under threat at Swansea on Sunday.
United’s defence was expected to be their weak point this season, but they have not conceded in their first three Premier League matches.
That may change today when they visit the Liberty Stadium, however. Swansea have devastating pace on both flanks, courtesy of Andre Ayew and Jefferson Montero, while Bafetimbi Gomis has bagged three goals in three games up front.
“Swansea are a very good team,’’ said the United manager, who lost twice to Garry Monk’s men last term. “They play a positional game like we do. They want to build up and have a good attack with speed and creativity.
“They proved they are a good team this season in the draw against Chelsea and against Newcastle, and when I see the individual players I see that they have quality.
“You spoke about Montero but they also have Ayew, Gomis and (Gylfi) Sigurdsson who have creativity. They are a difficult team to beat, especially away.”
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After tour wins over Real Madrid, Liverpool and Internazionale, Swansea brought Van Gaal back down to earth by winning at Old Trafford on the opening day of last season. The Welsh side then completed their first league double over United with a 2-1 victory in Swansea in February. Van Gaal admits he could not stomach a third defeat to Monk’s side.
“I don’t want to lose again,’’ Van Gaal told MUTV. “It’s the only club we could not beat or gain one point against last season. It’s a difficult team against us and before my period it was also difficult for United, so I hope we can improve and that we can show that we are better than last year.”
United warmed up for the match in the best possible fashion by hammering Club Brugge 4-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick and Ander Herrera chipped in with another goal as United sealed their progression to the Champions League group stages.
Herrera is set to make his first league start of the season today with Adnan Januzaj out with a hip injury sustained in Belgium.
Defender Phil Jones (mild thrombosis) remains out and goalkeeper David de Gea is still unavailable because he cannot focus properly due to Real Madrid’s interest in him, according to Van Gaal.
