Louis van Gaal insists he has no reason to be jealous of Manchester City’s stellar squad.
Van Gaal may have invested more than £150million (Dh881m) of United’s money in the transfer window, but after six years of almost non-stop spending, City have a squad which is the envy of most clubs in world football.
Manuel Pellegrini has almost two internationals to pick for every position on the pitch.
For tomorrow’s derby at the Etihad Stadium, the City boss can call on flair players like Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure in attack while at the back Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta are among the best in the Premier League.
But Van Gaal insisted: “I am not jealous of the squad of Manchester City.
“I am proud of my players and that is the most important thing and when we play like a team then we have a big chance to win.”
Van Gaal’s men may have snatched a creditable draw against Chelsea last weekend, but the fact remains that his team are still a long way off realising his aim of winning the Premier League.
And yesterday they were dealt a blow when Radamel Falcao was ruled out through injury.
United, who have Wayne Rooney back from suspension, have won just three times so far and sit 10 points below the summit with almost a quarter of the season now gone.
Van Gaal admits he needs to record a big win to boost morale among the squad and the supporters, who are still reeling from last year’s shock seventh-place finish.
“We are waiting on that boost because that can give you more than only the result,” Van Gaal said.
“We have played very well against West Brom and we played a draw against Chelsea, nobody expected that result but for me it was not enough and maybe the result against Manchester City shall give us that boost.”
Although Van Gaal has had his troubles, five miles across town, Pellegrini is starting to feel the heat.
City stretched their unwanted winless streak to three matches on Wednesday when they were knocked out of the League Cup by Newcastle.
And there is the impression that Van Gaal thinks City, who are four points above United in the table, are there for the taking.
‘’It is not the greatest moment of Manchester City,’’ he added. ‘’What we have seen of Manchester City in the last matches was not so good.
‘’We have a good feeling about this match. Our spirit is unbelievable.
“I think we shall grow and develop ourselves. We need a good result and it could be against Man City.”
