Manchester United players urge Louis van Gaal to relax training regime

A delegation of senior Manchester United players has approached manager Louis van Gaal over concerns regarding his training routine, which they claim has restricted their fluency and creativity on the pitch. The Red Devils have scored only three goals thus far and picked up seven points, while failing to win in any of their last two games.

The Times cites the players are not impressed by the manager's style of play. A late comeback from Swansea City saw United lose a one-goal lead from Juan Mata before the break at Liberty Park. The loss came days after a goalless draw against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on 22 August.

United face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday (12 September) and with their attack currently stuttering, both fans and players are hoping Van Gaal will do something to unleash their creativity and take them closer to the attacking force they were under Sir Alex Ferguson. A win against their biggest rivals will be a massive boost to their hopes of getting their season back on track.

The United manager will be counting on new signing Anthony Martial to provide the firepower up front along with Wayne Rooney, who became England's highest ever goalscorer after he scored a penalty to secure a 2-0 win over Switzerland in the qualifiers of the European Championship. Memphis Depay is likely to be deployed on the wing to provide some pace and much-needed width on the pitch.

The report states that the players are concerned over his philosophy and believe there is much more to offer from the current crop of players, who if given enough freedom, can overcome teams with ease. United are currently five points behind rivals City but sit atop the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool on goal difference.