---
title: "van Gaal must show more faith in his philosophy"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/11/26/van-gaal-must-show-faith-style-play/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Features"
published: "2015-11-26T16:22:44Z"
modified: "2015-11-26T19:16:47Z"
---

# van Gaal must show more faith in his philosophy

For someone who has almost single-handedly re-introduced the word ‘philosophy’ to the fans of English football, it seems like a ludicrous idea to suggest that Louis van Gaal does not have complete faith in his own set of beliefs and ideas as United manager.

However, whilst van Gaal’s philosophy comprises of much more than just what happens on the football pitch, one particular aspect of the Dutchman’s style of play is especially confusing.

As Marouane Fellaini replaced Memphis Depay in the 59th minute of Wednesday’s draw with PSV, this change completely altered United’s approach to finding the opening goal. Whilst the patient, possession style of football failed to yield much of an opening in the first half, there was some encouragement to be taken from those first 45 minutes.

Although it is frustrating to see United create so few opportunities in a match, one must take into account the reasoning of why van Gaal’s team play in this way. Of course, as many fans know, but probably don’t like, the Dutchman’s team will keep the ball and patiently wait for their opportunity to arise from an opposition mistake, rather than looking to make the chance themselves.

![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/11/498566260.jpg)

But if that style of play is to be abandoned in favour of playing long balls towards Marouane Fellaini, then what is the real purpose of playing that patient, possession football in the first place?

United have been accused of being easy to defend against playing in this possession style, and whilst that it is up for debate, it surely must be more challenging for opposition defences than having to play against Fellaini in a striker’s role.

It’s not a criticism of Fellaini, rather of van Gaal’s lack of belief in his team playing in the patient passing style – demonstrating the Dutchman’s pragmatism.

The Belgian, however, rarely makes enough of an impact in such a role to be considered as a suitable ‘Plan B’. Fellaini has come off the bench eight times this season with United in a losing or drawing position, but he hasn’t produced a single goal or assist in that time. Such a record does not merit his role as being the go-to-guy to come off the bench.

![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/11/467240864.jpg)

Louis van Gaal, therefore, needs to show more faith in his primary style of play. United are unbeaten in eight League and Champions League matches Fellaini hasn’t played in this season, and that’s not to say that the he is causing the team to lose, rather that the attacking unit is stronger without him.

Whilst United recently went three matches without scoring- against Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace – the side have since shown they are capable of eventually breaking down opposition defences without Fellaini.

United had to wait until the second half before they could break down West Brom at home a few weeks ago and were fortunate in getting the victory over Watford last Saturday. But those results show that van Gaal’s possession style can produce goals and that continuing to turn to Fellaini when things aren’t going to plan will only deter the team from developing that patient, passing style.

Fellaini is rarely making enough of an impact from the bench for United, and that was evident again against PSV. The Dutch side were at their most dangerous in the closing stages on Wednesday’s draw whilst Louis van Gaal’s team struggled when they should have been dominating.

![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/11/4987291501.jpg)

Marouane Fellaini has a role in this Manchester United side, and his chest control and ability in the air are invaluable assets at times. However, whilst the Belgian can be a decent option in midfield, the option to push him into attack should be considered as a last resort- not a ‘Plan B’.

The sooner Louis van Gaal starts to show more faith in his primary style of play, and thus rely less on Fellaini as a substitute, the more likely United will be to create more chances and score more goals in the final stages of each match.