Former Manchester United winger Nani has revealed that Louis van Gaal’s treatment of the players was a big reason behind his decision to leave.
The 29-year-old left Old Trafford last summer to join Fenerbahce, as his lack of opportunities and influence at the club ultimately led to a split.
However, Nani has also given some insight into what it was like working with Van Gaal and his coaching staff, and he doesn’t paint a positive picture.
“He [Van Gaal] didn’t use me a lot in pre-season,” Nani told the Sunday Times. “I was the player who had the least time in all the games and I was feeling, ‘This coach doesn’t count on me’.
“He and his assistant were shouting at players like we were kids, like 18-year-olds.
“And I think, ‘This is not the way to treat us because I am professional, I am training every day, I’m doing nothing wrong, I’m putting quality in the training’.”
Nani also went on to share his opinion that United are no longer the same club, with the mentality and personnel differing from the fabric of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squads.
That seems like a redundant point given that it is a natural process after such an influential and long-serving manager walks away, but it is a valid one nonetheless as the culture and personality has also changed under David Moyes and Van Gaal respectively over the last two years.
Whether or not the latter can guide the club back to the top next season remains to be seen, as he has certainly fallen short of expectations this year with his side still battling to qualify for the Champions League.
However, his attempt at building a legacy by giving younger players an opportunity this season seems to be paying dividends, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard all impressing.
Developing a winning mentality and culture will take time with a new group of players, but given the stature and expectations of the club, patience and time aren’t offered in abundance.