Manchester United: Louis van Gaal insists new signings give team an added stimulus

Louis van Gaal has revealed that he will invest heavily in the transfer market each season to rejuvenate his squad as his players need the stimulus to perform which doesn't arise if they are not forced to compete for their place. The Dutchman has spent a lot of money since taking over at Old Trafford but a top four finish last season and being on the apex of the league at this point in the league vindicates his decision.

Van Gaal has done some amazing business in the summer in the form of Anthony Martial, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian who have formed the base of United's title charge this season. The addition in midfield has given his forwards more room to burst forward while Darmian's presence has added more stability to his defence.

Martial has been the revelation with the player scoring four goals in as many games thus far, surprising the likes of Arsene Wenger who was also interested in the player. The former Bayern Munich manager was also linked with major moves for Thomas Muller and Sergio Ramos, which failed to move through, but he insists that he will always be on the lookout for more signings to facilitate his title challenge.

"The manager has influence, but the players much more. They have to build up a structure in the dressing room and that's really important," Louis van Gaal said, as quoted by the Mirror on his stance on new signings. "They have to accept that structure. That is why I do that every season – every season I shall do that - because I think we need that new stimulus."

Van Gaal also added that their failure to live up to expectations last season was down to the balance in the squad, which he has rectified with the numbers of players he has let go. "You need luck, but the balance of the team is better than last season," continued the United manager.

"Because of that we need to win our games. We shall improve every week, yes. I don't see it every week, but see that we are better as a team and a selection. I rotate more now because I can. Last year in my opinion I didn't have the balance. I have let 20 or 25 players go. So it's a new team," he said.