Louis van Gaal slams Man Utd transfer dealings in brutal Liverpool comparison

Louis van Gaal

Former Manchester United and Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has issued a scathing assessment of his old club's transfer strategy in comparison to Liverpool.

The Red Devils had a challenging 2024/25 season, transitioning from Erik ten Hag to Ruben Amorim halfway through the campaign.

Amorim's initial months at the helm were anything but smooth sailing, with United losing the Europa League final to Tottenham and finishing a disappointing 15th in the Premier League.

In stark contrast, Liverpool clinched the title in its debut season under Arne Slot.

The Reds show no signs of letting up, with early activity in the transfer market hinting at significant deals for players such as Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

United is also making swift moves in the market, having already sealed a deal to bring Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Amorim is also reportedly pursuing Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, who is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.

But these actions have failed to impress Van Gaal, who helmed United from 2014 to 2016. Despite winning the FA Cup during his stint, he was shown the door just two years into his tenure.

Now 73, Van Gaal has criticized United's transfer approach, arguing that the manager should be central to every decision, given that the team's performance ultimately falls on his shoulders.

He also drew parallels with Liverpool's model, urging his former club to learn from how their rivals handle their affairs.

Van Gaal

"It is still a commercial club, not a soccer club,"

"It's always difficult when the manager is not deciding which players have to come.

"I think it's the way it should be [that the manager picks the players], then you can fire a manager if he doesn't produce any results.

“But when other people buy the players, then you have a problem.

"You need to have the knowledge of the manager because he has to train them. It should always be like that.

“Arne Slot is the man who says to his technical director that he needs to buy this player. Pay attention to it."

Whilst it’s acknowledged that Liverpool boasts a well-resourced data department, and Slot assumes the role of head coach -

it appears his tactical imprint on the squad is nonetheless evident as he brings in the players to strengthen his title-winning squad.