Not since 1986 have Manchester United began a season so poorly. Having 16 points from the first 11 games of the season with – in terms of the Premier League – a kind opening fixture list, there are rumblings amongst the media and some United fans as to when the Louis van Gaal regime will begin to fire.
From the offset of his reign, van Gaal asked everyone to judge him in three months; after he had time to impose his oh so cherished ‘philosophy’ on the team. Such is the literal nature of the English media, that on 15th October – exactly three months after van Gaal’s first day in charge of United – many sports websites and newspapers gave scrutinising critiques on the beginning of van Gaal’s tenure.
Successive games against Chelsea and Manchester City – arguably the two strongest sides in the league – gave an opportunity for United to record a huge win, which could mark as the turning point for van Gaal and his side. Despite scoring a last minute equaliser at the Stretford End against Chelsea – an innate component of the Ferguson era – United lost in the Manchester derby to a City team looking as poor as they have done under Pellegrini.
When will it begin to work for van Gaal; when will that renowned ‘philosophy’ begin to reflect its previous success on the pitch? For any doubters as to if these questions will be answered, here are five reasons why the club as a whole, should keep faith in van Gaal.
Using Youth
Following a transfer window which saw academy graduates Danny Welbeck and Tom Lawrence leave the club, many fans were left disgruntled by the ruthless transfer policy which van Gaal instantly imposed, given how high the club regard the advocating of youth.
However, with the injury crisis which has hit United hard this season, the Dutch manager has showed no signs of doubt in handing first team debuts to Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair; both capable defenders who came through the youth ranks at United. Van Gaal has also looked to foster the growth of academy graduate James Wilson, who came on as a substitute in the Manchester derby and looks a sharp, promising young player.
Track Record
Amongst many, the difference between van Gaal and Moyes is that the former has ‘been there and done it’. When there were grumblings in Moyes’ tenure as manager, there was no evidence to show things would improve; the Scotsman was not a proven winner.
Yet with van Gaal at the helm, the United board have someone they know can bring success. In 15 full seasons as a club manager, the stern tactician has won seven league titles. When he gets his side performing his philosophy, every team fears them. The only question at United is – not if – when?
Identity
As Manchester United slumped to a 3-0 drubbing at Old Trafford against Manchester City last year, a commentating Gary Neville described United as having “an identity crisis”. This was absolutely true; not one of Moyes’ line ups during his 51-game reign had the same 11 players.
You may be thinking that van Gaal holds the same record so far. Yes, he does, but the difference is that there’s a system, a vision of the style in which the team should play. Van Gaal has also bought players to fit this style, whereas Moyes’ signings of Mata and Fellaini constantly felt like pieces to another jigsaw puzzle.
Fear Factor
Barring political leaders and the monarchy, it’s hard to imagine a room which van Gaal walks into, where he isn’t the boss. The omnipresent saliva you can hear in his voice, his stern eyes and the slick back hair of his appearance make the vindicated arrogant 63-year-old a person to listen to. He was a P.E teacher, after all.
His demanding authority seems to have restored a motivation in the players when stepping foot on the Old Trafford turf. Despite an opening day defeat to Swansea at home, United then proceeded to win three successive games at home before netting that last minute equaliser to league leaders Chelsea. If United are to get top four and above this season, the fear factor needs to be restored at Old Trafford.
High Standards
Last season, Moyes was slammed for his low, punditry-like appraisal of United’s chances in their home fixture against fierce rivals Liverpool. Ahead of Liverpool’s arrival to Old Trafford he said “they possibly do come here as favourites.” Van Gaal has shown no similar mentality.
After losing in the Manchester derby – having played with 10-men for over 50 minutes of the game – van Gaal praised the will power and spirit of the side, yet still conceded that the result is the most important thing. As a result of the spirit shown he said “[the players] can be very proud, but at the end we have zero points. We are close, but not close enough.”
Pep Guardiola once said to his Barcelona players, “If we lose our fear of losing, we’ll stop winning.” If United can re-install that winning mentality, which makes losing a foreigner, they – and van Gaal – will be back to their best very soon.
For more articles and opinions, follow me @_AdamPowers
Source: DSG
