In a recent interview, Louis Van Gaal has admitted that his current managerial role at Manchester United will be his last.
Van Gaal joined United after leading his Netherlands side to third place in the World Cup, as well as roles at Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich. His first year in charge of United hasn’t exactly been plain sailing. But, will he come out on top with the Red Devils?
Louis Van Gaal asked for a grace period when he joined Manchester United. He said there would be a ‘difficult three months’ at the beginning of his tenure. He was right. The opening game of the season saw a loss to Swansea City – 2-1 to the visitors – which soon began the Moyes comparisons. Van Gaal signed the world class Angel di Maria, and lost to MK Dons on the same day. The boss spent big money to strengthen his squad, and got rid of some serious deadwood at the club. Yet he still could not completely get the balance right.
The introduction of the 3-5-2 system, which Van Gaal clearly tried so hard to make work, was a low point of the season. The Red Devils need four at the back, no question. After going back to the drawing board and tweaking his formation and tactics, the Dutchman finally hit his stride with his most recent formation; the 4-3-3.
[ffc-gal cat=”manchester-united” no=”5″]
The 4-3-3 was implemented for a home game against Tottenham Hotspur, and it was Manchester United’s best performance of the season. The home side dominated the visitors, and deserved their 3-0 win. An unchanged side was fielded against United’s fiercest rivals Liverpool at Anfield, and United recorded another win, with Juan Mata popping up with a well earned brace. This has been a real turning point for Louis Van Gaal’s Old Trafford career, though it has just come later than expected.
Now, Manchester United are battling for a top four spot: something they could have only dreamt of twelve months ago. If they continue they way they are going, they will earn a Champions League spot. With a place in Europe’s most sought after club competition, signing for Manchester United will look that bit more attractive once again.
Louis Van Gaal brought in Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, and Angel di Maria (to name a few) without Champions League football, so they have even more chance of singing more big name players. If rumours that are circulating have any truth in them, United could be strengthening their defence with a World Cup winner in Mats Hummels this summer.
Can Louis Van Gaal end his career at the top? Certainly. He has already began rebuilding the team Moyes left behind, and has made a huge improvement to the side already. Honouring his contract will give him the ability to win the Premier League title; maybe not next term, but perhaps the season after.
He’s not far off being a contender now. Getting back in the Champions League, and readjusting to the schedule, will benefit his side massively.
//embed.scribblelive.com/Embed/v7.aspx?Id=1163928&ThemeId=22054
