Report: Manchester United's senior players unhappy with Louis van Gaal's training methods

Louis van Gaal was reportedly confronted by his players for his rigid training methods

A host of Manchester United stars have confronted their Dutch manager Louis van Gaal over his ‘stifling training methods’, Telegraph reports. The Dutch coach’s ‘philosophy’ has been under the spotlight ever since his arrival at the start of last season, but now even some of his own players disagree with his methods.

As expected, United made headline-grabbing summer signings during the transfer window which was required of them but Van Gaal’s side have made a stuttering start to their season. Ending with mixed results in their opening four fixtures of the Premier League, there are worrying signs about their lack of goals and the team’s inflexible style of play. The Red Devils have managed to score just three goals in four EPL games – including an own goal.

The team’s underwhelming performance could be blamed on Van Gaal’s rigid approach during training sessions, as a host of Manchester United’s senior players have had concerns on his regimented methods in training. The Dutch boss is infamous for his hardline techniques and rigid schedule with some of his players.

Players demand more creativity and flexibility in training

That being said, the confrontation did not prompt immediate changes in United’s approach. Their concern was mainly in the lack of ‘creativity and flexibility’ in training which could be the reason why their performances have been hampered during the matches.

United fans will be hoping that the new £36-million teenager Anthony Martial will benefit the team and end possibly help end Rooney’s goalscoring drought in the league.

Another point made by the players was on their frustration with the amount of money United have spent on signings but so far in return have received unsatisfying results. Despite splurging £150 million in 2014, United finished fourth, rather unconvincingly, at the end of the Premier League season with a couple of stodgy performances in between.

Martial could make his debut in a derby match

It has been only four games into the season and it is unfair to judge Louis van Gaal and his team at this early stage of the season. However, the dodgy start to their campaign adds more pressure on the Dutch boss who is ready to face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool team, on the other hand, are no different from United as they are both level on seven points. The derby match will be intense and nerve wrecking like always and Van Gaal is expected to give a debut run out for the new signing Anthony Martial.