Van Gaal: I can't listen to all United fans
Louis van Gaal insists he cannot listen to the opinions of every Manchester United fan after hearing a number of supporters vent their frustrations at his tactics in the win over QPR on Saturday.
United picked up just their third away Premier League victory of the season with a 2-0 result over struggling QPR as goals from substitutes Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson saw off a spirited display from the home side.
But the visitors only clicked into gear after Van Gaal changed his formation, having opted to start with three central defenders - a system the Dutchman has stuck by for most of his first season in charge at Old Trafford.
United were nowhere near their best in the first half, leading a pocket of supporters to call for a change to 4-4-2. And with the introduction of Wilson in place of Jonny Evans, Van Gaal seemingly listened with Fellaini's opener coming just a minute later.
However, after the game Van Gaal stuck by his guns and defended his original tactics, saying he will focus on what he sees in training rather than what he hears from the stands.
"I have to look at the players and I have to communicate with the players and observe the players," he said.
"I cannot observe the fans because how many fans do Manchester United have? All over the world we've got 600 million. You cannot take into account 600 million opinions.
"To look at the players, to communicate with the players, to observe, to analyse and so on. That's my job as a manager.
"Before this match I have already thought about this shape and to play it. Then I look to my players in a training session and I look to my game plan and then I choose, and that's dependable also from what I see at the training ground."
Radamel Falcao was handed a place in the United side having been dropped from the matchday squad for the 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton last weekend.
It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the on-loan Monaco striker, who has been told to prove himself to Van Gaal, as he missed two great chances to add to his three goals for the club.
But Van Gaal defended the Colombian's performance and was bullish when questioned about the striker and his display.
"It's not relevant," he said.
"We have 29 players so then we have to talk about 29 players, not one player, because Manchester United has a selection of 29 players and maybe tomorrow 28 or 30. Not just one player.
"I'm a manager and you can't always give the credit to the most expensive player and if a young player never gets a chance then I'm not a very good manager.
"I have to treat all of the players at the same level with the same rules and same demands. It's difficult to understand because the outside world is thinking when you pay a lot for the player then you have to put him in the squad. I do not agree with that opinion.
"But he (Falcao) has played and I was very pleased."
