Van Gaal calls for his hitmen to find their focus

Louis van Gaal wants more. Much more.

He is demanding yet further improvement from a Manchester United line-up which contains some of the most decorated attackers in world football.

United have hauled themselves into the Champions League qualification positions mainly because they’ve tightened up defensively.

They’ve conceded only nine times in their last 12 league games, despite fielding a mix-and-match back line because of injuries.

Now the Dutchman is making it clear he wants a better return from his star-studded attack, which for today’s match against Southampton could include Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Angel di Maria and Juan Mata.

“I expect more attacking quality from a team that I coach,” said Van Gaal.

“I shall improve it and you shall see that. If it not this year, then next season or the season after that.

“Of course, I always want more as a manager. I want the perfect game and we’ve never played the perfect game.”

Even though skipper Rooney is currently operating in midfield, Van Gaal has self-imposed limits on how many creative players he is willing to field at any one time.

“I have always said that, at the most, you can put out four players who are creative,” he continued.

“I have had that opinion for 25 years and it hasn’t changed. Four is a lot. So I have to choose.

“You can have in your squad selection more than four creative players, but in the team you can only put four. I will always put out the best line-up. If I change it, that is not rotation.

“A player can be tired and then it’s better to play with another quality player. But that is not rotation, it’s choosing the best line-up. You understand the difference?

“I always look at the qualities of my opponent, and the mental situation of my players. The mentality is more than just their spirit.”

Van Gaal rates Southampton managed by fellow Dutchman and old adversary Ronald Koeman so highly that he believes they are capable of snatching one of the Champions League spots.

“It was very difficult for us in the away game, and I think they will give problems again because they have a very good team,” he said.

“I like the way they play. I think they could finish in the top four when I see the quality of the players and the coaching staff.

“But now we are a month further on, and I hope that we have improved.”

Van Gaal made his first foray into the traditionally difficult January transfer window when he secured Victor Valdes as his number two keeper.

“I don’t prefer to wait until summer when I can improve my selection, as I have with Valdes,” he said.

“When I cannot improve my selection, then I wait. Maybe I have to wait for a year. Maybe you think there are so many fantastic players who can join this club. But it is not like that.”