• Premier League

Mata: United need time to adapt to LVG philosophy

ESPN staff
August 26, 2014
Di Maria worth record fee?

Juan Mata believes his Manchester United team-mates need more time to adapt to new manager Louis van Gaal's style of play and says the club is still in a transitional period.

United struggled in their first two Premier League games against Swansea and Sunderland, gaining just one point, while Van Gaal is still waiting for his first league win.

The Dutchman told United fans - as well as critical ex-players such as Paul Scholes - that transforming the club's fortunes will not be a quick fix and warned if he was not given time to implement his philosophy he will have been "hired to be fired".

Mata agrees, writing in his personal blog: "I do think that changes need time. We are talking about a new project, with a new manager and a new style. There is going to be a transition and that new start is more difficult if you don't get good results.

"We would have liked to win the first two games of the season but that didn't happen, and all we can do now is to prepare for the next game, try to get the three points and start a good streak.

"I know this is disappointing, but as I said [in my blog] last week - because it's true - this is just the beginning of the season and there is still a long way to go. We must remain positive and confident, keep working hard and get better day after day."

United finished seventh in the Premier League last season under Van Gaal's predecessor David Moyes, who was sacked after just 10 months in charge.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices