Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has done the right thing by giving youth players a chance in the senior side this season.

The Red Devils have spent £150m on new players this summer, but Van Gaal has given the likes of Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair, Jesse Lingard and James Wilson experience of Premier League football.

Former United boss Ferguson believes that Van Gaal is keeping within the club's traditions by showing faith in their youth prospects.

"What has pleased me about Louis is he's given seven young kids their debuts this year which falls into line with the history of our club, there's no question about that," Ferguson told MUTV.

"I think that's exactly what Louis van Gaal believes in too. Obviously Louis has made a lot of changes and I was thinking about that actually.

"Maybe he's doing the right and correct thing, to clear the decks and build his own team, because he's got the experience and the coaching ability to do that. And he's got the reputation to do that. I think the way he's approached is, I think, brilliant."

Van Gaal's side currently sit fourth in the table.