article: That was a sequence resulting in the end of manager Ron Atkinson's reign and ushered in the Sir Alex Ferguson era. The season ended with United in 11th place. They currently stand in ninth position, 13 points adrift of leaders and Premier League title favourites Chelsea, having won just three times in the league. Van Gaal admits it was "stupid" to ask observers to assess him after three months and there is no question the formidable coach who led the Netherlands to the World Cup semi-final will be given time to put his stamp on Old Trafford. So, after 10 games and a sixth defeat in the last seven Premier League derbies, here are 10 talking points from the early months under Van Gaal. There are few more self-assured characters in the world game than Van Gaal, his confidence and sheer force of personality a formidable ally to his undoubted coaching prowess. If his predecessor David Moyes often seemed worn down and surprised by the sheer scale of Manchester United, Van Gaal believes this is his natural environment. Despite a stuttering start, Van Gaal is convinced United are "close - but not close enough" to Chelsea and Manchester City after a 1-1 draw with Jose Mourinho's side and a narrow defeat at the reigning champions. Van Gaal is a charismatic figure, brutally honest and open in his assessments. Media playback is not supported on this device The Dutchman praised his side's "incredible willpower" for mounting a late threat with 10 men after Chris Smalling's red card - but also had no hesitation in condemning the defender's sending off as "stupid" and "not so smart". He is outwardly, and no doubt inwardly, as confident as ever in his approach and his conviction that he will get it right. An uncertain start has done nothing to dent that iron-clad self-belief. Van Gaal's attempt to restructure United's squad after last season's failures under Moyes came in the shape of a £150m investment as phase one of his rebuilding programme. No-one can deny, however, that he has been badly hampered by injuries to those he hopes would form the bedrock of his new United team. The sight of £16m defender Marcos Rojo being taken off on a stretcher will have been another body blow to Van Gaal. He was already without £28m midfielder Ander Herrera after a rib injury, while left-back Luke Shaw missed the start of the season and striker Radamel Falcao was missing at Etihad Stadium. Add to this injuries to Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, while Michael Carrick has only just returned, and it is only right that Van Gaal's start must be judged in this context. United's squad has done nothing to dispel the feeling that it is heavily front loaded - packed with attacking intent but short on the nuts and bolts of defence that can lock games down. The comparison about putting the roof on a house before the foundations were secure has been made. Angel Di Maria and Falcao were talents that embroidered the likes of Wayne Rooney and
summary: Manchester United's 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City left new manager Louis van Gaal presiding over the club's worst start to a season since 1986-87.