EPL: Manchester United players must work harder to return to the top, says Louis van Gaal

Old Trafford: Louis van Gaal has told his Manchester United players they must work harder if they want to be seen as a big team again.

Van Gaal has been dismayed at the ease with which his players have been giving the ball away this season and has ordered them to wise up.

While the Red Devils have assembled a formidable attacking line-up, having spent £150million this summer, they have conceded nine goals in six Premier League games.

But, ahead of Everton's visit on Sunday, Van Gaal does not believe his defence are to blame and pointed the finger at midfield and attack, insisting they must be more disciplined with the ball.

"We have a lot of creative attacking players in our selection and I like that," said Van Gaal. "But I think also that you have the discipline to come back in a certain shape, because now we have conceded too many goals.

"I want to improve so that we don't lose the ball so easily. That's our problem, not our defence. We're losing the ball easily, but that's also the character of our team, because we have a lot of creative players and they need more discipline.

"So we're looking for a balance in attacking football, without thinking too much in only attacking, but also guarding your defence. I want that my defensive organisation is better but the defence begins in the striker's position.

"It's team work so, when we concede a goal, it's not only because of an individual error in the defence - it starts somewhere else, and that [is something] we have to analyse and improve.

"All the teams are scoring goals, out of counter-attacks mostly, against us, as well as free-kicks and corners. They aren't making their goals like we do - out of building up, first second, third and fourth phase.

"That's the difference and, when you want to be a big team, you have to perform like that and dominate the game. But at that time you also need to think about the balance of the team, the defensive organisation at the same time. That is what I'm working on."