Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge of Manchester United started in flourishing fashion as they took to the States to have an undefeated campaign in the International Champions Cup dispatching Roma, Real Madrid and Liverpool. Everything seemed to be looking up for United at the time, with the players seeming to have adapted to Louis van Gaal’s philosophy playing fast fluid football in his initially preferred 3-5-2 formation. All of that hard-work and preparation was torn up on the first day of the Premier League season where United were defeated 2-1 to Swansea at Old Trafford. It sparked mass media worry, but most importantly it gave the fans a reality check – Louis van Gaal was never supposed to be an instant fix, but brought in to steady a sinking ship and put United on the path to become champions again. The signings of Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Rojo were impressive, but record signing Ángel Di María and the loan signing of Falcao brought fans much joy believing that they could add some much needed spark to the United attack.
The low point in Van Gaal’s opening five games came at the King Power stadium where a 3-1 lead was completely turned over as United were torn open as Leicester completed a famous comeback to win 5-3. At this point it was clear Manchester United were having an identity crisis, Van Gaal had changed to a diamond 4-4-2 to fit all his big names in, but that only led to an increasingly open defence. A revert back to the 3-5-2 saw a first winning streak occur as United won six games in a row including their first away win against Arsenal and a comprehensive 3-0 win over Liverpool.
Manchester United started to build some steam midway through the season, losses were few and far between, as they continuously racked up points. After a shocking crashing out to MK Dons in the third round of the Capital One Cup, it was evident that Van Gaal had his eyes set on winning the FA Cup to bring some silverware to Old Trafford. With City and Chelsea enduring shock-exits Manchester United were favourites in the tournament and a quarter-final draw at home to Arsenal made it seem like destiny. A lacklustre performance and a Valencia back pass saw Man United crash out of there last realistic chance of winning a trophy with a goal from United old-boy Danny Welbeck to seal the deal.
The defeat saw a wave of criticism come Van Gaal’s way, many began doubting whether Man Utd had the quality to finish in the top four with games against Tottenham, Liverpool and Man City coming. How they were wrong, United brushed aside Tottenham and renamed Liverpool’s home ground “Juanfield”, whilst regaining the title of “Kings of Manchester” winning their first Manchester Derby in four with a comprehensive 4-2 win. However, despite the cries of finishing second United lost focus losing an unacceptable three games in a row to Chelsea, Everton and West Brom, but it never threatened their top four finish, they managed to endure a gruelling season full of injuries, but completing the minimum that was required.
Manchester United finished their season with 70 points, six more points and three places higher than David Moyes’ campaign last season. A fourth place finish has left Manchester United fans in a bit of a limbo as United aren’t through to the Champions League group stage and will have to play a two-legged Champions League qualifier match on the 18th/19th August and 25th/26th of August. In a strange way, the biggest form of optimism which was further shown against Hull was the teams United have dropped points to. 6 against Swansea, 4 against West Brom, 3 against Leicester, 2 against Burnley, Villa, Sunderland and some others. Just those points mentioned there add up to 19 points, 2 points ahead of title winners Chelsea. To me this is a cause for optimism, the team have shown they can do it in the big games, but Louis van Gaal’s side has struggled against the smaller, more defensive teams and with some more additions to United’s squad and more time under Van Gaal, United should be picking up those points next season.
On a whole Van Gaal’s impact on Manchester United this term and over this term has been tremendous. His arrogance rubs off on the players and his belief in himself to call massive games such as the game against Liverpool a “must win” game brings delight to the fans who endured his counter-part last season publicly proclaim “we aspire to be like City” something which chilled the blood of the fans. His record in big games is also undeniably brilliant. In games against the top five, he boasts the best record picking up 18 points and suffering only two defeats. Van Gaal is the manager United needed after last season’s calamity, he is a big-game manager and without doubt knows the importance of the massive importance of the club. He seems to have nailed down his preferred 4-3-3 system and with the right additions over the summer, it is truly possible that silverware can return to the Old Trafford faithful next season.
