Despite woeful start, it's too early to press panic button at Manchester United

A draw squeezed between two losses — the second of which was downright embarrassing. That is Manchester United’s competitive record under new manager Louis van Gaal, the man under whom everything was supposed to change at the club after last season’s dramatic fall from grace under David Moyes. The opening day defeat to Swansea, the drab draw against Sunderland and a 0-4 thumping by third division side MK Dons in the League Cup is far from the start the Dutchman expected — especially after his side’s fine showing in pre-season. Van Gaal has been very clear about the amount of time he needs to imprint his philosophy on the club: “I am not shocked. Because I know what can happen,” he said after the loss to MK Dons. “A new team is not built in one month.” A cultural overhaul takes time — a tactical one, even more. [caption id=“attachment_1683823” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Van Gaal has been very clear about the amount of time he needs to imprint his philosophy on the club. A cultural overhaul takes time — a tactical one, even more. Getty Images[/caption] His reputation as a proven winner will allow him that time — but there are more tangible factors than just reputation that should prevent fans and United bosses to press the panic button. Wing-backs: The most important players in Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system are the wing-backs. In three matches so far, Van Gaal has used Young-Lingaard, Young-Valencia and James-Janko/Vermijl. These are all forced selections due to the absence of Luke Shaw and Rafael — two flying young fullbacks who will immediately add width and pace to a lumbering United. Centre-backs: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Tyler Blackett cannot be used throughout the season. Rather than buy another midfielder, Van Gaal would be clever to add to the backline. Marcos Rojo will certainly be a valuable addition but one cannot rely him to play a full season without a niggle or two. When that happens, will United go back to their youngsters (like Blackett and Michael Keane) or will Van Gaal purchase another centre-back? This is the one problem that needs be solved in the coming week. Midfield: Marouane Fellaini was hitting some form under Van Gaal and got injured. Michael Carrick is a long-term injury, Shinji Kagawa is off-colour and Ander Herrera also took a knock in training after a good debut on the opening day of the season. Tom Cleverley is a mystery, Juan Mata is expected to do better and Nick Powell was United’s best player in the 0-4 loss to Dons. Angel Di Maria has just come in and will have an instant impact, while Adnan Januzaj is finding his feet under a new manager. It doesn’t look that bad in terms of bodies — but the best ones are crocked. Van Gaal’s ‘bad luck’ excuse can be backed up at least in terms of midfield. Attack: Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have no real competition when it comes to who will play on top if both are fit. Javier Hernandez looks likely to leave and so does Danny Welbeck. If both do, expect Van Gaal to dip into the market — if just one goes, then it’s sad to say, but it looks like Hernandez’ days of super-sub are over. If the midfield can contribute, Rooney and RVP shouldn’t have a problem scoring. FINAL VERDICT: No doubt it’s a disastrous start by Manchester United’s standards, but this is a team still gelling. Youth will be given a chance — but one cannot look beyond Januzaj, Powell and Blackett as the only academy graduates with quality to contribute to the first team. The problem is not tactics or confidence — it’s a lack of personnel. Once Van Gaal has a full roster to choose from, United should start expecting. Till then, hold onto the buzzer.