Exclusive – Manchester United will NOT win the Premier League by playing the Van Gaal way, talkSPORT told

Clive Allen has told talkSPORT Manchester United will have no chance of winning the Premier League this season if they continue with Louis van Gaal’s passing-heavy game plan.

The Dutch boss was forced to defend himself last week after United legend Paul Scholes slammed his philosophy and revealed that he, and probably a number of other past Red Devils stars, would not enjoy playing in the current coach’s team.

Ex-winger Andrei Kanchelskis has since also had a pop at Van Gaal, saying the former Netherlands boss makes his players play like robots, robbing them of the creativity and improvisation that was famed in the trophy-laden era of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Responding to Scholes claims, Van Gaal insisted his side ARE exciting and ALWAYS take risks.

But, after watching Man United’s stale and lifeless 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, Allen disagrees.

“I was at the Crystal Palace game at the weekend and I must say I was very disappointed with Manchester United,” the former England and Tottenham striker told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“Their style is based on a passing game Van Gaal is preaching to them and it just seemed to me they were making passes for the sake of it.

“I can understand the frustration from the supporters, it’s not the Man United we know, but they are in the mix at the top of the table, despite not playing particularly well.

“Van Gaal has this history, he has a good track record and you think, can he use that to inspire the United team to win the Premier League?

“But from what I saw on Saturday - no. Playing that way I don’t think they’re capable of winning the league this year.”