Louis van Gaal has hit back at his critics again, reminding them that Old Trafford “was not always the Theatre of Dreams”.

United topped the Premier League table at the end of September, but their form has dipped of late.

Van Gaal’s men have recorded three consecutive 0-0 draws against Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, who knocked United out of the League Cup on penalties.

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If United fail to score tonight against CSKA Moscow, it will be the first time they have drawn a blank in four consecutive games since 1992.

A host of former players, most notably Paul Scholes, have criticised Van Gaal for his tactics and some supporters have bemoaned the often dull style of play.

But Van Gaal has reminded his doubters that United have not always enjoyed unbridled success.

“I have seen periods and tendencies in Manchester United like in other clubs. It was not always the Theatre of Dreams,” the United manager said.

“I am sorry to say that, but it is logical also. It is only a moment in the process. We have stood first in the Premier League. Now we have a bad period when you don’t score because football is (about) scoring goals.

“We have to improve and I hope we shall score against CSKA but I know it is difficult because they are organised and they shall play more defensively than Crystal Palace.”

Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin could still feature despite missing training due to personal reasons.

CSKA geared up for their trip to England by beating struggling Ufa 2-0 on Saturday to preserve their unbeaten record in the Russian Premier League, but victory came at the cost of a muscular injury to Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia. Playmaker Roman Eremenko is also doubtful. 

CSKA’s former United winger Zoran Tosic, who was at Old Trafford from 2008-10, said: “In case we have a chance to win we’ll try to capitalise on it, but I believe nobody will be upset in case of a draw.”

Likely line-ups
Man United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Herrera; Mata, Rooney, Lingard; Martial
CSKA (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Fernandes, A. Berezutski, Ignashevitch, Schennikov; Natkho, Wenbloom; Tosic, Eremenko, Musa; Doumbia
Stadium: Old Trafford; Kick-off: 23:45; Live tonight on beIN Sports