TAKE THE LEAD: Van Gaal think his squad needs more direction [GETTY]

Three former captains left in the summer - Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.

In addition, Ryan Giggs retired as a player to concentrate on being Van Gaal's assistant.

And the on-pitch leadership situation won't go away for the United boss, as the player he chose as captain - Wayne Rooney - starts a three-match ban today after being sent off last weekend against West Ham.

Van Gaal won't reveal until today who will lead the team against Everton, but the candidates are official vice-captain Darren Fletcher - if he plays - his Dutch skipper Robin Van Persie or possibly new signing Daley Blind.

The United boss goes into the Everton match at Old Trafford stating: "At the time I was coming to the club, big leaders were leaving - Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand.

"They WERE big leaders. Also, leadership is a process - you don't go from one day to the next and become a leader.

"It's a process and now a lot of players are in that process. The best leader I have had in my career was Danny Blind, who was also my assistant with Holland.

"Maybe his son - Daley - will be better, but he is not a leader yet."

Van Gaal said of being deprived of Rooney: "He has got a three-match suspension and that is deserved. He agrees with that.

"Because of that we have not appealed. It's done. We have explained it to the group because I am always explaining everything - all the decisions I make are explained.

"I'm very transparent - but not to the media! With Rooney, it is a big problem for him because he can't play in the next three matches - including against Chelsea."

Van Gaal sees Chelsea, under his former Barcelona assistant Jose Mourinho, as having the balance he is seeking to create at United.

"I know Jose and the quality of the players of Chelsea," said Van Gaal.

"They are a balanced team and I am also looking for a balance in my team - that is very important for a trainer-coach.

"When you have a balanced team you are more difficult to beat. And that is Chelsea, I think.

"We are improving, but I'm sorry to say it needs time.

"But it is realistic to be given time and money - otherwise I wouldn't be here.

"United have brought me here to take them back to the Champions League - but not at once. There is a three-year process.

"I have signed a three-year contract and believe me I shall finish that."

Juan Mata is set to return to the side to replace Rooney and there will be another start for Paddy McNair, 19, with three centre backs - Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans - still injured.