Wednesday 2 March 2016 13:50, UK
Louis van Gaal deserves credit for putting his faith in youth instead of signing proven players at Manchester United, according to Paul Merson.
Having brought in Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria during his first season at Old Trafford, Van Gaal has since taken a gamble on relatively unproven players, with Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian brought to the club at the start of the current campaign.
The Dutchman has come in for intense criticism in recent months as United's alarming slump has seen them eliminated from the Champions League and fall out of contention for the title.
A lengthy injury list has forced Van Gaal to blood several academy prospects in recent weeks, with Marcus Rashford's remarkable step up to the first team the highlight as United claimed vital wins against Midtjylland and Arsenal respectively.
And Sky Sports pundit Merson believes the criticism of Van Gaal has been harsh, particularly in light of his youth policy compared to other league managers.
"I feel sorry for Van Gaal a bit," Merson said. "He could have come into United and spent all that money on 28-year-olds, proven footballers who have won things.
"That might not have helped the club in the long term but it might may have delivered a trophy. However, in three years time it would leave the club in a worse place than they are now.
"But he hasn't done that. He went out and has bought youngsters for the future and has given other youngsters a chance.
"It's not the same as [Arsene] Wenger, who has been manager for almost 20 years. Van Gaal has been there for less than two, so it's a completely different case.
"He has bought players for the future for United as a club. He's not thinking of himself, he's hoping they are going to be in a better position when he leaves."
United will be out to maintain their recent upturn in form when Watford travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
The Reds have the chance to win four consecutive games for only the second time this season, with victory keeping their slim hopes of finishing in the top four alive.
Merson believes United's signings, aided by their unfazed academy players, are starting to settle into life at one of world football's biggest clubs and has tipped the resurgence to continue.
Van Gaal has bought players for the future, for United as a club. He’s not thinking of himself, he’s hoping they are going to be in a better position when he leaves.
"United are really getting some momentum behind them and the goals of Rashford seem to have lifted the whole club and the fans," Merson added. "When one of your own scores a couple of goals, then the supporters walk away seeing a brighter future.
"Away from him, it feels like some of the others are now getting used to playing for a very big club.
"Anthony Martial was playing in front of small crowds at Monaco and now he's learning his trade in front of 75,000 at Old Trafford.
"Watford will be hard to play against but I expect United to win on Wednesday."
