Manchester United: Louis van Gaal points to 'attractive playing' over formation at West Ham

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has played down the importance of the tactical formation ahead of the visit to West Ham on Sunday 8 February but pointed out his intention to get "an attractive playing style."

Meanwhile, the boss confirmed almost all members of the squad are available for him to pick his starting line-up, as only Michael Carrick is injured.

The 33-year-old midfielder suffered a calf injury while training before the Premier League game against Leicester City and was ruled out for a month.

When asked whether he will go for 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 for the trip to Upton Park, he said: "It's not about playing with or without wingers, or with three or four defenders. It's about an attractive playing style."

Meanwhile, the Dutch manager claimed he plans to contest the FA charge for comments made after his side's FA Cup fourth round clash with Cambridge United.

The Dutchman was critical of the pitch at Cambridge's home ground, claiming "every aspect of a match is against us".

When asked about that, he said: "I am not angry, I am very disappointed.

"I am now for nearly 30 years a trainer-coach or manager and I have never been charged. And still, up to now, I don't think that I said something wrong.

"I said already in our press conference the same phrases because I know in advance [of the tie] that everything is in favour of the underdog. You, as media, has confirmed that. It's always like that

"I said it in front [before] the game and I said it after the game, only in the meaning of the general feeling of everybody, everybody for the underdog. So I cannot imagine the FA has charged me. But, OK, it's like that. Of course I will contest it. I never said anything wrong."