This is Chapter 1 of the van Gaal Diaries, the first of many to come. Make sure you stay with us, as the story unfolds.
A wise man once said, “An excess of anything is a bad thing.” This quote applies very well to the fans of Manchester United. We had gotten so used to success under Sir Alex Ferguson that last year was like a rude awakening from a dream – the likes of which we may never see again. The amount of silverware we won, the style of football we played, all lost under David Moyes, who apparently wanted to divide the pitch into many zones and have one player stuck in each zone. What were we playing, wizard chess? Record numbers for home losses, league position, points at the end of the season, what not! We could not even qualify for the Europa League, let alone the Champions League. Of course, nobody had the guts to point fingers at our resident Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for ‘telling’ Moyes that he was the next Manchester United manager. Selection process? What mindless sorcery is that?
Thankfully, the club decided to follow a more established selection process this time around, and managers were approached. Amidst rumours of Conte, Simeone and Ancelotti, it was Louis van Gaal, who decided that he would take hold of reins at United. The man definitely knows what he wants to do, and more importantly, what he wants his players to do. None of that “I do not know what we need to do to win” yabba-dabba-doo that Moyes dabbled in like a numbskull. This is Manchester United! Nobody is a favourite coming in to Old Trafford, let alone the Scousers. The only standards we aspire to, are our own, and not those of our noisy neighbours. Louis van Gaal has a philosophy which he believes in, and wants his players to believe in. This is exactly what we needed after last season’s regression into footballing stone age under David Moyes.
Yes, this is only pre-season and nobody cares about the results. It is more about getting the players fit for the season and making sure that the system still works well. While the foremost proponents of these ideals are clearly those who end up on the losing side (winks at Liverpool and Arsenal fans), the only comparisons I’m going to draw are with United’s pre-season last year and not with any other clubs’ performances. The players are clearly more confident in their abilities and their performances are in tandem with van Gaal’s vision of how he wants his players to play. How else can you explain Ashley Young playing at wingback – left and right – with such consummate ease, as if he has been doing it all his life?
The 3-5-2, wait, let’s call it a 5-3-2 if you must, has worked rather well for the players United currently has. The players have slotted in seamlessly, with nobody really looking out of place. Of course, Cleverley has it in him to be better, but he’s done a fairly decent job so far. He seems to think that he is “van Gaal’s type of player”, so we’ll have to see if he can prove himself. The player who has made the most progress, in my opinion, is Fletcher, even if it has been more of a recovery than progress. After the ordeal he has been through over the past two years or so, seeing Fletch perform the way he has over the past few weeks is a sight to behold. Go on, you Scot!
I think all of Woodward’s failures from last season can be forgiven with the manner in which he has dealt with the Ander Herrera affair. What an addition he has been to our squad! For once, we have signed an actual central midfielder, who is not Anderson. His qualities are clearly there for everyone to see. Unless we sign another midfielder, I believe Herrera and Fletcher will be our first choice midfield pairing this season, especially in Carrick’s absence. The youth players have also impressed. Having been an admirer of Blackett from his days of playing at left back for the youth teams, watching his calm, composed and mature performances at left centre-back is nothing but expected. He has a future at United too, if he keeps his head on his shoulders.
There really isn’t much need to speak about the quality of our front-line. Rooney and van Persie will continue to make life hell for defenders, with Welbeck also looking to fit well in this system. While I would love it if Chicharito stayed at the club, the coming days will tell whether van Gaal sees him as part of his plans. The same goes for Kagawa. Januzaj and Mata are here for good, which is a good sign. As for Nani and Anderson, the sooner they go the better we are. I wouldn’t mind it if Fellaini left as well, but can van Gaal turn this around like he did with Young? Can Fellaini become the player we need in central midfield? I certainly hope so, but I don’t expect it to happen any time soon.
The coming season is going to be an interesting one. All the good teams have strengthened over the summer. Of course, with the exception of Southampton. I think they’re secretly trying to be to Liverpool what Arsenal is/was to Manchester City and Barcelona. The only difference being, Arsenal did this in the years after they went unbeaten for an entire season, while Southampton seem to be content in taking pride from the fact that one of their academy players is now the world’s most expensive player. What a role model, no?
Meanwhile, does Liverpool’s attack lack any bite, now that Suarez has left? Excuse me the pun, but with Lambert, Lallana and Markovic coming in, they definitely have more attacking talent at their disposal. Will this make up for Suarez’ absence? Will Ibe be able to escape from Blackett’s pocket after the Champions’ Cup final in Miami? With the additional demands of Champions League football, it will be a tough ask for Liverhampton to continue playing as they did last season. Chelsea surely has the most impressive squad. With the addition of Fabregas, Costa, Felipe Luis and the return of Courtois and Drogba, I’d say the title is theirs to lose. Of course, they should have handled things better with Lampard, who has somehow ended up playing for Manchester City, who have also bought Fernando. Looks like oil money may very well win the league this time. Whether it is Russian oil or Arab, time will tell.
Louis van Gaal brings something to United that was sorely lacking last season. The players want to play for the manager because they believe in his style of play, and also due to the fact that he commands respect from the players. (Remember Rooney nutmegging Moyes in training and being rewarded with a whopping new contract?) The players are acutely aware of the fact that nobody has a guaranteed starting position under van Gaal. He has made it clear that age is not a factor which will undermine his selection process. The players who best fit the system will be the ones who play.
I am not very fond of discussing potential signings and transfer rumours, so we’ll worry about the new players only after they come in. Van Gaal has made it clear that he will not buy a player just for the sake of buying someone, so I’m pretty happy knowing that we won’t be seeing a repeat of Fellaini last year. What I don’t mind discussing though, are the areas where United need to strengthen. Central defence is the main area. Wingback, not really. Between Rafael, Valencia, Young and Shaw we do have adequate numbers to allow for rotation and injuries. While Shaw is the only natural player on the left, I believe Blackett will prove to be a more than able replacement, should the need arise. Of course, this is discounting the fact that Young has been rather good on the left as well. We could also do with a central midfielder. Most definitely.
After the ignominy of last season, we definitely have some exciting times to look forward to. Yes, I know, I said the same thing last season. However, it was hope at the beginning of last season. This time around, it is belief, and there’s a world of difference between hope and belief.
“I’d just like to say keep supporting us. You’ve seen a little glimpse of the future tonight. We never stand still. We always give youth a chance and play attractive football. Sometimes we don’t win but we give it our all so keep supporting us and the good times will come back soon.”
– Ryan Giggs
Parashar is a part of the @Football_P family. You can follow him at @PTee17
