Kenny Dalglish: Manchester United Have Lost Aggression Going Forward

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Manchester United have lost the attacking instincts since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.

The Red Devils are out of the European competition after finishing seventh the league table under David Moyes' guidance last season. However, they have replaced the Scot by appointing Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman has strengthened United squad by adding Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao. The Old Trafford club spent over £150m ($244m, €190) in the summer window.

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan had slammed the 20-time English champions by saying that the club had lost his identity after a summer spending spree. However, the former Reds forward has rejected the claims made by Phelan.

"If Manchester United have lost their identity anywhere, it's been in their failure to maintain their aggression going forward. United always used to be about 'attack, attack, attack'. We haven't seen it recently," Dalglish told the Mirror.

Falcao: an exciting gamble

"I said last week Manchester United would have a fabulous front four with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata. Then they went and stepped things up a level and signed Radamel Falcao.

"Falcao is an exciting signing for Manchester United supporters. My only reservation is that he has been out for a long time after a bad injury.

"He scored for Monaco this season before the move to Old Trafford but he may still be short of match fitness. I don't go along with the idea that United have somehow lost their identity by spending big money on their new signings.

"I'm sure Louis van Gaal would have loved to carry on with the youth policy but was obviously concerned the young players were generally not ready to put pressure on the more experienced ones."

"By turning to the tried and tested, the manager is giving the kids plenty of time to develop," Liverpool legend concluded.