Balance is a problem for Manchester United boss Van Gaal

“How he shoehorns Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria into an attack that already includes Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata is certain to test even Van Gaal’s imagination.”

Louis Van Gaal may have spent £150-million revamping his Manchester United team this summer, but he admits his squad is still unbalanced.

He has also given an early hint that just being an A-list player will cut no ice with him when it comes to choosing which of many all-star forwards will get the nod as he beds in his preferred XI.

The Dutchman has brought in two defenders, two midfielders, a striker and the versatile Daley Blind but he concedes that he still needs more defenders.

“We have more balance than we had but I think it’s not balanced enough,” he says.

“Obviously I think the defending part needs to be addressed.”

It’s the balance of the line-up Van Gaal selects today with all his new signings fit to face QPR that is causing the most intrigue.

How he shoehorns Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria into an attack that already includes Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata is certain to test even Van Gaal’s imagination.

However, he has made it clear that while he acknowledges all their strengths as individuals, his selection decisions will be based purely on what’s good for the team and the implementation of his much-vaunted “philosophy.”

“I won’t talk about individuals any more, only the team,” he says.

“I may have said something about Falcao’s qualities when I presented him at the news conference because people need to understand the arguments about why I buy players.

“That is logical but after that it is over. Falcao, Van Persie, Rooney they are great players with great records. But you have to do it in the game. You have to show it. All the players have to show themselves in a team.

“They are great players but they also need shape and fitness. It is not always the case that everyone is in top form and fit enough.”

Van Gaal believes he has identified at least one basic flaw in his team’s approach over the four competitive matches for which he’s been in charge.

“I think that we have to pass much quicker,” he says. “We have tried and we have lost the ball too much, too early.

“As I am demanding much faster play, the pressure on the players is much higher and that is maybe the reason for losing the ball. When you see the players we have bought, they have that ability. But, of course, they have to show it now.”