Speculation is rife of yet another changing of the Old Trafford guard as Louis van Gaal prepares to see out the final six games of the season with the Premier League title once again out of his sights.
Last year, a fourth place finish brought the Reds back into Champions League football, and van Gaal was praised for his adventurous forages in the transfer market, the improvements made by players like Chris Smalling, Juan Mata and Ashley Young. Fourth may not have been first, but it was satisfactory for a maiden voyage in England.
This year, van Gaal is very much on the ropes; with a stultifying manner of football seeing United failing to score in the first half of eleven consecutive games, plus the spectacular failure of his signings – including Angel Di Maria, who left last summer. Their title contention, despite van Gaal’s stubborn manner that his team were still in the fight, was over by Christmas.
With one year remaining on his contract, there was a general consensus that he would depart Old Trafford upon the end of this season. Sitting fifth, Champions League qualification is not beyond them, and the FA Cup is van Gaal’s biggest hope of silverware.
But it tells a story of a generous sequence of draws for the Reds, taking them to Shrewsbury Town, and Derby County amongst others, whilst their almost spiritless Europa League exit at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool will do little to convince the fans to stay loyal to him for another 12 months.
Will he stay? Van Gaal certainly believes he should. Leaning on big results such as the 3-2 win at home to Arsenal, plus taking four points from City over two games has given him cause for hope.
Alternatively, the Dutchman is clutching at straws and he will be cut loose in the summer. Although it is undesirable territory for Ed Woodward, the inconsistencies shrouding Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 look set to continue, unless van Gaal wins the FA Cup and secures fourth place.
True, he has brought a host of young talent to the table, but his negative style of football – almost non existent under Ferguson – will not stand the test of time should he stick with it. If the Dutchman stays, he still has key tactical revision to do. If he goes, the Reds will find themselves under yet another period of transition they certainly do not wish to undergo.
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