Van Gaal forced to cancel Christmas

LOUIS van Gaal accepts that Christmas with the family is something he will have to sacrifice as boss of Manchester United.

The Dutchman is sad he won’t see his loved ones much during the festive season because of the English game’s traditional heavy schedule.

Van Gaal also feels the programme – possibly four games in nine days - places an unfair burden on players.

But the veteran former Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Holland coach is willing to adapt to pursue his ambitions with United.

The 63 year old said: “I am not happy but I cannot change it. I don’t think it is good for the players to play within two days of a previous match – two matches in two days. In December it shall be like that.

“But I want to work in the Premier League, so I have to adapt, and I shall adapt.”