14 Oct 2014

Fergy supports Man U overhaul

12:31 pm on 14 October 2014

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Louis van Gaal's decision to overhaul Manchester United's struggling squad with a major spending spree.

Louis van Gaal, Manager of Manchester United and assistant, Ryan Giggs. 2014.

Louis van Gaal, Manager of Manchester United and assistant, Ryan Giggs. 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Van Gaal was hired to clean up the mess left by David Moyes, whose brief reign as Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford ended with the club at their lowest ebb for two decades.

United responded by hiring van Gaal and handing the Dutch coach significant funds to breathe new life into the team.

Van Gaal splashed out over $300 million on Angel di Maria - who cost a club record - Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Marcus Rojo and Luke Shaw.

Radamel Falcao of Manchester United. 2014.

Radamel Falcao of Manchester United. 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The new signings have helped United into the Premier League's top four already despite some indifferent performances, and Ferguson, who retired after winning the title in 2013, is in no doubt that fresh faces were needed.

Despite the big-money arrivals, Ferguson is pleased that van Gaal has decided to use the club's academy as well, with youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett both featuring in defence this season.

Ferguson was often pictured in the stands last season as Moyes, the man hand-picked by the legendary former United boss to replace him, struggled to get the team performing.

There was never anything to suggest Ferguson was influencing Moyes and he is adamant he has nothing to do with van Gaal when it comes to first-team affairs.