Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol feels the direct football of Louis van Gaal is a credit to the Manchester United manager. Jol says the change of tactics shows how flexible the United boss is.

"Maybe Van Gaal is much less straightforward than many believe," Jol wrote in a guest column for Voetbal International.

"Van Gaal was always profiled in the past as an idealist of the attacking 4-3-3 system, but he has already discovered what some Dutch coaches abroad knew much earlier: many roads lead to Rome.

"His choice for me is proof that Louis van Gaal has now developed even further. Despite all these previous successes he had the flexibility, insight, conviction and the courage to take an unfamiliar route."