LVG

By Chris O'Brien
August 29 2014

As the dust settles on Manchester United's premature League Cup exit, it is difficult not to look back on Louis van Gaal's team selection with disappointment.

The former Netherlands boss made ten changes as the Red Devils suffered a 4-0 humiliation at Milton Keynes Dons.

It means United are not involved in the third round of the competition for the first time since 1995, and leaves fans with only Premier League action to keep them occupied until the end of the calendar year.

Those who believe United should field strong starting XIs in the League Cup's early rounds are often derided as a relic of bygone era, but Reds should question elements of van Gaal's selection policy for the recent trip to Buckinghamshire.

Here's five reasons why United's new boss didn't get it right - and not one of them is because Jamie Carragher said so!

1. He’s still looking for his first win
It's often said that winning is a habit - but it's not something United have experienced since May 6th. Following the disappointing results against Swansea City and Sunderland, a morale-boosting victory over MK Dons would have got van Gaal off the mark. As it is, he still awaits his first win - as the press will keep reminding him - and the team now travel to Burnley with added pressure on their shoulders.

2. No European football
With no European football on the table this season, United – FA Cup-depending - could play as few as 40 games this season; compared with 55 last term. Whilst giving youth a chance is often important, fatigue is less likely to be a factor for United's players this season, so stronger reinforcements could have featured.

3. Impressive MK Dons are well underway
Tuesday’s game was MK Dons’ sixth outing of the season. The League One promotion chasers thus boasted considerable match practice, and it showed against a makeshift United XI. Van Gaal's team selection not only underestimated the ability of Karl Robinson’s men, but also their match sharpness, with the lacklustre Red Devils too often caught out by their pace and power.

4. Wrong young players
Van Gaal's resolve to make wholesale changes was strengthened by United being in action at Sunderland only 48 hours earlier. However, many of the young players who could have made a real impact at Stadium MK were absent. Under-21s goalscoring sensation James Wilson looked a major threat when he came off the bench, but it was too late, whilst second-strong skipper Tom Thorpe would have been eager to get the chance to impress.

5. Silverware Opportunity Lost
United's new boss had the ideal chance to launch a three-fronted domestic challenge this season. He's already said it would take a "miracle" for the Red Devils to win the Premier League - but seemed too willing to let a chance of Cup glory slip away. After David Moyes’ turbulent spell, a League Cup triumph would have been deemed a fine success for van Gaal, but there's now added pressure for him to succeed elsewhere.

Undoubtedly, the efforts of the travelling Red Army deserved more. Anyway - bring on Burnley!

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