Comparing Manchester United Manager’s First Game In Charge – Is It All Doom And Gloom For Louis van Gaal

Glen Harrington

10 years ago

Manchester United’s most successful manager’s don’t necessarily start well…

SEE ALSO: The Best Manchester United players of all time

There will be a disillusioned atmosphere among many Manchester United fans today, following their 2-1 defeat by Swansea City. But should there be?

Take a look at the results from the first league matches of five United managers, and see how they compare:

Louis van Gaal: Manchester United 1-2 Swansea City

Manchester United lost their opening match of the season at Old Trafford for the first time since 1972, as Louis van Gaal’s new look team, playing in a 3-5-2 formation, were humbled by Swansea City. Wayne Rooney cancelled out Ki Sung-yeung’s opener, before former Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson tapped in a winning goal 18 minutes from time.

David Moyes: Swansea City 1-4 Manchester United

Conversely, David Moyes’ tumultuous reign actually got off to the best possible start as United thrashed Swansea 4-1 at the Liberty Stadium. Robin van Perise and Danny Welbeck scored two goals apiece, while Wilfried Bony netted the late consolation for the Swans. The clinical nature of their opening day win was one of the few highlights of United’s season, as they finished the year in seventh place.

Ryan Giggs: Manchester United 4-0 Norwich City

United legend Ryan Giggs enjoyed four games as interim manager, and got off to the dream start as his side thrashed Norwich City 4-0 at Old Trafford, as the Canaries headed for relegation. Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata scored twice each to ease the tension around the club following Moyes’ departure.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Oxford United 2-0 Manchester United

One of the greatest manager’s of all time actually started his spell at Old Trafford with a reality check, and a 2-0 defeat away to Oxford United. Seven days later, his team drew 0-0 with Norwich City, and it took until Ferguson’s third game in charge before he got his first win as United boss. The rest, as they say, is history, as he went onto win 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup’s, four League Cup’s and two Champions League titles among a variety of other honours.

Matt Busby: Huddersfield Town 3-2 Manchester United

Another United icon also got off to a bad start way back in 1945, losing his first four league matches – including home and away to Huddersfield Town. It took until his sixth game before he was able to win his first match, with United beating Stoke City 2-1. That would be his only victory in his opening 11 games in charge. Five first division titles, two FA Cup’s and a maiden European title were to follow.

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