Louis van Gaal will move to strengthen Manchester United’s squad this week after confessing the shock 2-1 opening-day Premier League defeat to Swansea had “smashed” the confidence of his players.
Goals from Ki Sung-Yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson ruined the Dutchman’s managerial debut in English football, despite a fine overhead kick from Wayne Rooney.
And, having sensed nerves in his side despite winning six pre-season games, Van Gaal admitted there was a pressing need for new signings with Arturo Vidal, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Juan Cuadrado, Mehdi Benatia and Angel Di Maria all linked.
He said: “Of course it is very disappointing for the players for the fans for me for my staff, but as you know, when you have preparation time and you win everything, and your first match you lose, that cannot be worse.
“In a process, it is not good because we have built up a lot of confidence and then it shall be smashed down because of this result.
“We didn’t reach the level we’ve shown in the past matches and that’s disappointing because this is the most important match.
“We never played as a team and that’s our error.
“Because of our wins in the United States and our win against Valencia the expectation is so high and I have seen also in the first half, I have seen a lot of players very nervous, making the wrong choices and that is a pity.
“But also these players have to use that expectation, because that is Manchester United – you have to cope with that pressure.
“I know in what positions we need better players, but you have to buy only when the player can fulfil the way of playing what I ask.
“When we are playing in US I saw the same.”
Van Gaal again tinkered with tactics as United under-performed, switching from a 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 at the break. Rooney equalised Ki’s opener, but Sigurdsson struck the winner and United couldn’t react once more.
“I do everything to win,” he added. “But we have to know it is only one game of many games and you shall not be the champion at this moment, you shall be the champion in May.
“I have said to the players I cannot say you didn’t do your very best, unbelievable work, fantastic mentality, but reaching the [high] level is difficult.
“Not only running but also use your brain and then you can play like a team – and in that we have failed.”
Swansea did play as a team and boss Garry Monk said: “I can pretty much guarantee no-one outside of Swansea gave us a hope.
“So I told the players to go and show exactly what we’re about.
“The whole key to it all was us coming together as a group, working for each other.”