As the 2014-15 season comes to an end, it is pleasing to be able to say that Louis van Gaal’s first season in England has been a success. United have guaranteed themselves a place in the top four and another bite at the Champions League cherry after one season away from the competition.
The Dutchman signed a three-year deal when he was announced as manager in May 2014, meaning that he now has two seasons left in the dugout at Old Trafford; but despite his successes, one man is eyeing up his job before that contract is honoured.
Manchester Evening News claim that before Pep Guardiola makes any decision about his own managerial future at the end of next season, he will assess Louis van Gaal’s situation. If the Dutchman fares well in 2015-16, pushing for the title and posting a successful Champions League campaign, Pep may either sign an extension with current club Bayern Munich, or look for a job with Manchester City – however it is suggested that his preference is Manchester United.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano worked with Guardiola at Barcelona and are determined to secure his signature so as to begin the process of seriously rivalling United’s Premier League trophy count. This leaves Ed Woodward in a precarious situation.
Even if Louis van Gaal performs well in 2015-16, Woodward may be tempted to replace him with Pep Guardiola, so that City can’t have the world’s most sought after manager for themselves.
City are set to keep current manager Manuel Pellegrini next season – despite some disappointing performances and a season without silverware which has led to some pressure on the Chilean. Pellegrini has one year left on his current contract, just like Pep Guardiola does at Bayern Munich, so the replacement of one with the other at the Etihad seems like a fairly natural progression – one which United will certainly want to prevent.
Louis van Gaal’s position at United for the final year of his contract in 2016-17 may well be in the balance. He may find himself axed if he does not produce silverware next season, especially since he has signed Memphis Depay already and has a reported £150 million to adjust his squad with this summer.
