Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has deflected attention away from his defenders, claiming that they are not to be blamed for his side's inconsistent start to the season.

Van Gaal's team has been leaking goals, conceding five times to Leicester City and four times to MK Dons in the League Cup.

However, the Dutchman admits that it is his attackers that should be doing more to recover possession.

"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," the 63-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"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."

Van Gaal's side host Everton on Sunday, with the Dutchman hoping that his players will be able to keep a clean sheet for only the third time this season.