United better without Persie, Hernandez: LVG

MANCHESTER: Louis van Gaal defended his decision to let Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie leave Manchester United as he said he did not want too much competition at the striker’s position.

The Dutchman admitted he is concerned about the lack of goals his team has mustered, with only six sides managing fewer than their 22 in the Premier League, but he said that doesn’t mean the team will buy a striker in January.

“I don’t believe too much in competition,” Van Gaal said. “I believe in trust and confidence. Maybe that is wrong, but I have done it all my life and I give trust to the players,” he added.

Van Gaal also sold Van Persie, who scored 48 goals in three years at Old Trafford, while Radamel Falcao left Old Trafford when his loan spell ended. Van Gaal also loaned James Wilson to Championship side Brighton and the versatile Adnan Januzaj to Borussia Dortmund.

United only have two specialist senior strikers, in Wayne Rooney, who has scored a mere two Premier League goals this season, and Anthony Martial, who has only one goal in his last 12 outings.