--- title: "In defence of Louis van Gaal" canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/12/18/defence-louis-van-gaal/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" section: "Features" published: "2015-12-18T15:27:51Z" modified: "2015-12-18T15:27:51Z" --- # In defence of Louis van Gaal ‘Dull’, ‘tepid’, and questionable at the best of times, Louis van Gaal’s second season at United has borne the brunt of much criticism. The Dutch coach has been far from venerated amongst the United faithful; social media has been ablaze with condemnation and expletives that would likely bring a tear to a hard-man’s eye. The problem seems to be that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man just doesn’t ‘get’ United. Fans claim he doesn’t understand the style of play; he doesn’t understand the club’s values; he maraudes under the pretence of investing in youth, and, most shockingly of all, he doesn’t get the ‘United way’. Crucially, there is a bigger problem at large. That problem lies with the very group that promulgates it: the ‘fans’. ![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/12/500039832-5184x2596.jpg) One cannot doubt the integrity, nor the sincerity of a fan based on where they live in relation to where their team play. The ability to attend home football matches is a luxury that is not synonymous with passionate fandom. If a woman watches every game and follows each last droplet of information from China, she is no less of a fan than Terry, 38, of Trafford, who goes to the odd game when he doesn’t have the kids. One can and absolutely should, doubt the over-active Twitter fan, however. With cringeworthy names like ‘The Mata Touch’ and ‘Memphis-ology’, United football Twitter is awash with clueless children whining from behind the security of an anonymous profile. These ‘fans’ are the ones calling for the Dutchman’s head, and reasoning with them becomes problematic, especially when they are oblivious to the fact that things are not that bad. I repeat, for clarity, Not. That. Bad. ![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/12/4985939342.jpg) Jose Mourinho’s recent dismissal from Chelsea comes earlier in the season and after a worse start, but is eerily resonant of the marching orders given to a certain Señor Moyes from United in 2014. Claims that Van Gaal is either more at fault, or even less competent than either of the aforementioned are nothing short of pathetic. Spoiled fans are growing impatient with a rebuilding process, which is exactly as Van Gaal stresses it – a process. The Dutchman has solidified United’s back line extensively. Arguably he could have done more in the transfer market to bring in an experienced leader at the back. It’s pertinent to remember here though – as United Twitter is so vacantly ignorant to – that a manager’s job is constituted of more than just buying players. Van Gaal has turned a previously nightmarish Chris Smalling into one of the division’s top defenders, and the acquisition of Italy international Matteo Darmian has improved the right back position, previously filled by the loveable, but less able, Rafael da Silva. Prior to his Champions League leg-break, Luke Shaw looked every bit the player that his £27m fee touted him to be. All of these improvements are a result of the hard work of Louis van Gaal and his coaches on the training ground. Though not solely his success to claim, the renewal of David de Gea’s contract is testament to the calibre of players willing to work under Van Gaal. ![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/12/498728992-4080x2043.jpg) Midfield maestro, and everybody’s favourite wee-man, Juan Mata, has also reaped the rewards this season. While serious questions have to be asked as to why fellow Spaniard Ander Herrera is not starting, Mata has flourished. His relationship with Van Gaal looked to be headed in the same direction as with Jose Mourinho, that caused his club-record move from Chelsea to Manchester United. The poor attitude of the man who broke that record, Angel di Maria, ultimately gifted Mata a place back in the starting eleven, and the Spaniard has been given the freedom to play in his coveted no.10 role. Herrera, again, looks excellent in the majority of minutes in which he plays. His frequent ommision from the starting eleven invites criticism and rightly so. However, the additions of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have sured up what had recently been the weakest area for the Reds in the centre of midfield. Whose work was that? Louis van who? The Dutchman’s approach to the attack has, however, not been good enough. The free-falling form of the once bullish Wayne Rooney has placed greater responsibility on youngster Anthony Martial. The acquisition of the exciting Frenchman is of Louis van Gaal’s doing, however the departures of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Robin van Persie, Angel di Maria and Nani have raised eyebrows. The presence of any one of the above names would be sure to have seen a few extra points accumulated. However, there are positives to the Dutchman’s ruthlessness. The wage bill of the aformentioned quartet, along with the end of Radamel Falcao’s less than impressive loan spell, has been cut dramatically. If we are to look at United’s development chronologically, we see a first season in which the manager sought to assess his options, while exciting the fans with marquee signings – unfortunately not living up to their acclaim. United’s second season has seen efforts made to strengthen the core of the squad; defence and midfield have been bolstered, with United conceding fewer goals this campaign. ![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/08/473760446.jpg) Fans of the Red Devils, then, should be comforted by Van Gaal’s work so far. If the goalkeeper, defence, and midfield have been sorted, what could possibly be addressed in the Dutchman’s proposed final season? It’s attack. Just to clarify. In case you’re ‘The Smalling Tackle’. Far from vindicating the stubborn Amsterdam-born manager – The Red Devils have left a lot to be desired aesthetically – it’s time to stop the lazy and disingenous slander against him, and to appreciate that United are six points off the top spot, currently occupied by a side that should, at least theoritcally, experience a mid-to-late season bottling in Leicester City. Struggling with injuries to a host of important players, Van Gaal is operating to the best of his ability – giving youth a chance in the process, which will surely come to benefit United in the long run. Van Gaal should not be immune to criticism; United’s exit from the Champions League and bore-draws mingled with losses to the likes of Bournemouth ought to be held to scrutiny. The rally cries which call for his head are ill-advised, however. If, after all of this, you’re still desperate to see him sacked, stop dreaming. Louis van Gaal is not the problem, you are. *You can find Andy on Twitter at @AndyScott\_*