Manchester United have been heavily criticised in recent weeks for playing, in the words of Paul Scholes, a ‘miserable’ brand of football. Clearly, United are a shadow of their former, pacey, counter-attacking selves that was so dangerous under Sir Alex Ferguson. David Moyes struggled to emulate the attacking flair that had become so commonplace at Old Trafford under Ferguson and it now looks like Louis Van Gaal is having the same issue with his players.

So will Manchester United continue to opt for more of a direct approach this season? The answer, rather typically, is yes and no. Van Gaal is still trying to mould his side into one that fits his vision for the future of the club. A typical Van Gaal side will play expansive, attacking football that has an abundance of pace and scores a lot of goals. The Dutchman’s preferred playing style is very much an exciting one. Despite the fact that Manchester United have played some good football so far this season, there is still a tendency to switch to a ‘plan B’ when the team cannot break down the opposition. This means, as much as Van Gaal will hate to admit it, Manchester United do opt for more of a long ball approach in order to get the ball into the back of the net.

Although it may not be particularly pleasing on the eye, the system is effective. Marouane Fellaini is a real presence in the air and is very good at winning aerial duels. When the Belgian is played in more of an advanced position, United look towards the former Everton man to win headers in the box, whether they’re knockdowns for fellow teammates of headed efforts at goal.  When Fellaini first arrived at Old Trafford, he was deployed in more of a deeper midfield role which was something that really didn’t suit his style of play. Now that Van Gaal opts to play the 27-year-old in more of an advanced position, his influence on games is far more effective.

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Fans may not like to see the direct, ‘boring’ approach to United’s play but at times, it works better than United’s desired playing style. This is because the team does not have enough pace to implement Van Gaal’s system just yet. The team often looks a little lacklustre in its build up play and the front duo of Falcao and Robin van Persie have not provided the pace and movement to regularly unlock defences. Therefore, due to the fact that Manchester United are not quick or ruthless enough in the attacking third, a more direct approach suits the overall make-up of the team at this particular moment in the time.

What will be surprising is if United play a long ball method next season as well. Although it is still a useful option to implement, you would think that Van Gaal would have added a lot more quality to his squad in order for the team to play in the style he wants to see at Old Trafford. At this particular moment in time, Manchester United fans should appreciate the fact that Van Gaal has identified a direct approach as something that works at the club. The football at times is miserable. However, this isn’t a direct relation to the ‘long ball’ play United opt for in latter stages of games. Their slow, laboured build-up play is one of the reasons as to why Van Gaal looks to play more direct football towards the end of the match. Every team wants to play good football but the manager has to know what style his team can use to the best effect. The Dutchman is still experimenting with his side and the football this United team plays should only be seen as a transitional system at the club.

The addition of fresh blood in the summer will allow Van Gaal to pursue the romantic, attacking football that every United fan wants to see at Old Trafford. However, for now, Paul Scholes may have to put up with more misery before the end of the season as Van Gaal’s revolution is still a work in progress.

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