Louis van Gaal gets tough before Manchester United play LA Galaxy

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/23/louis-van-gaal-tough-manchester-united-la-galaxy

Version 0 of 1.

Louis van Gaal offered evidence of his demanding style as Manchester United manager during training with the squad at the Pasadena Rose Bowl before the opening tour match against Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday evening.

The Dutchman berated and praised players during a shooting drill in which he stood near to the right-hand post and watched as they attempted to finish.

In one incident Van Gaal loudly admonished Luke Shaw, the £27m left-back bought to replace Patrice Evra, for a weak shot that left the 19-year-old determined to ensure his next effort was stronger.

Van Gaal also made a point of searching out Phil Jones to high-five him for one of his finishes, in a gesture reminiscent of his celebration with Robin van Persie afterthe striker’s header for Holland against Spain at the World Cup. Van Gaal also praised Jones’s fellow central defender Chris Smalling for one of his attempts.

The drill involved players shooting first with their right then left feet, with Wayne Rooney, who was in the same group as Shaw, Jones, Smalling, and new signing Ander Herrera appearing rusty but keen to impress Van Gaal.

Van Gaal said afterwards that he is looking forward to his opening game in charge, and hopes to give United fans something to shout about this season. “Your first match is always special when you are coaching in a new club,” he told MUTV. “But it’s a match in preparation time. I think the game against Valencia at Old Trafford is more the match that I will feel the tension.

“I hope that my team is supported by the fans. That is very important because after last season, the fans are not spoiled, and I hope we can spoil these fans in this season.”