What has this campaign taught Louis van Gaal?
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Manchester United’s 2014/15 campaign has, so far, been somewhat disappointing as Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford defence have failed to back up the exciting and expensive array of attacking talent that has been assembled by the Dutchman.
Indeed, to date, van Gaal’s record as United boss is worse than that of David Moyes at the same stage last year – so what five things do we think that Premier League football has taught van Gaal and United so far this year?
A Harlem Globetrotters mentality doesn’t work in football
It is no exaggeration to say that the attacking talent that is available to van Gaal is perhaps the most impressive group of attacking players on the planet, with Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria having been added to the likes of Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. A lack of structure and solidity at the back, however, has not provided the platform for their attacking talents to shine and is something that, so far, van Gaal has failed to address.
This is particularly clear away from home
Perhaps the clearest indicator of the evolution in style from David Moyes’ Manchester United to that of Louis van Gaal can be seen in their away record, which was superb under Moyes but has been utterly dismal under the Dutchman. Whilst we wouldn’t advocate a return to Moyesball, a little bit of pragmatism needs to be introduced.
You shouldn’t sign a player just because they’re available
Despite a crucial winning goal against Everton at Old Trafford, the contribution of Radamel Falcao to United since his deadline day signing has been minimal – as seemed likely from a player who has never played in the Premier League and who was recovering from a serious injury. Just imagine how strong United would be had the funds committed on Falcao been invested further back.
Don’t neglect the youth system
The lack of consistency and numbers at the back has forced van Gaal into looking into the club’s youth academy – and in doing so he seems to have found a star of the future in Paddy McNair. Striker James Wilson is also an exciting prospect and, as their policy changes towards a more galactico-style recruitment, United need to be careful not to abandon their roots.
The players are clearly behind van Gaal
Despite a degree of frustration with both performances and results so far this season, one thing is clear – the players and fans are far more behind van Gaal than they ever were with Moyes. Celebrations against Chelsea recently showed that and United need to give this time if they are to restore former glories.