• Premier League

Van Gaal admits to facing toughest challenge of his career

Louis van Gaal says he is encountering the biggest challenge of his managerial career in trying to revive Manchester United after their sorry start to the season.

United were beaten 5-3 at Leicester despite leading 3-1 - the first time in the club's history that they have surrendered a two-goal advantage and lost - and the Dutchman is facing a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday's clash against West Ham.

Van Gaal spent £153 million on new recruits this summer but, after admitting he may have to delve into the development squad for defensive reinforcements, the 63-year-old admitted he has never come across as many injury problems before.

When asked if he was enduring his toughest time as a manger, Van Gaal said: "At this moment, maybe. I have to admit that I have never been in this situation before, so it is strange.

"As a manager, you already know in advance that this is a big challenge and this club is in a transition.

"You don't know in advance what the difficult moments will be, but we overcame difficult circumstances to win in pre-season and now we are in very difficult circumstances again, we can win again."

Van Gaal claimed United would be challenging for second place had they not crumbled at the King Power Stadium and, surprisingly, suggested that his side had "defended well" this season.

Before their defeat to Leicester, United had conceded only three goals in four league games but they were also dismantled 4-0 by MK Dons in the League Cup.

Van Gaal insisted panic had not set in at Old Trafford. "When things are happening, it is about overcoming them," he said. "I don't think my players are robots, they are human beings and human beings make errors and faults.

"I'm a manager who always wants to evaluate and discuss. That's the way I do it and have done it this week, so it is no different. When you are 3-1 ahead after 60 minutes you have to win. Then we would have been two points off second in the table.

"Because of the loss, we are sitting here and you are questioning me, but if we had won this game it would have been a different story. We can overcome this and we have to remember that the season lasts more than one competition day."

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