Van Gaal’s most radical tactical moves and how well they’ve worked.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is under the spotlight again this weekend after some strange tactical decisions for his side in their unconvincing 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
SEE ALSO:
Chelsea working on deals to sign £106m Serie A trio – Man United won’t be happy!
Live West Ham vs Hull City Streaming & Premier League Preview
Manchester United transfer news
Although the Red Devils took the three points against Harry Redknapp’s relegation strugglers, fans and pundits alike have been left unimpressed by some choices made by the controversial Dutchman in this game, following on from a series of other unusual moves throughout the season.
As well as his strange preference for a 3-5-2 formation, van Gaal has also moved players into unusual roles that they’ve never played before, with mixed success, and here are five of the most eye-catching moves by the United boss this term…
1) Ashley Young at left-back
Always a very attack-minded winger up until this season, Ashley Young has been a surprise choice for van Gaal at left wing-back. Although this more advanced full-back role does not always require the most stringent defensive awareness, the former England man is right-footed and not an obvious choice for this position. Still, it must be said that it has proven one of LVG’s more successful tactical decisions.
Verdict: HIT
SEE MORE: Hot Pictures! Newly Single Kelly Brook In All Her Glory After David McIntosh Split.
2) Angel Di Maria upfront
Used upfront against QPR this weeend, Angel Di Maria was unable to contribute to the game in the best way he knows how – by dropping deep, drifting wide and linking play. The Argentine is a superbly creative winger and playmaker who can create chances for others but has never been the most consistent goalscorer himself throughout his career. It remains to be seen if van Gaal will try this one again.
Verdict: MISS
3) Marouane Fellaini upfront
Although only used for some of the game against Southampton recently, it is bizarre that van Gaal opted to use the defensive-minded midfielder Marouane Fellaini as his target man striker when Wayne Rooney has been playing in midfield and Radamel Falcao didn’t make the squad at all. Needless to say, the Belgian struggled to get into the game as the Red Devils lost 1-0 without managing a single shot on target.
Verdict: MISS
4) Wayne Rooney in midfield
Despite being joint-top scorer for United in all competitions with eight goals, as well as the club’s leading scorer last season, Wayne Rooney has been used in midfield for most of this campaign. Although the England captain clearly has the skill-set to do a good job there, some games have passed him by and one has to wonder if he could do a better job in his normal striker role.
Verdict: MIXED
5) Phil Jones on corners
It may prove to be a one-off, but Phil Jones being stuck on corner kicks for Manchester United against QPR was one of the more bizarre moves by van Gaal. The under-performing utility man is certainly not a dead ball specialist by any means and United had plenty of others on the pitch who could surely deliver a better cross from the corner flag.
Verdict: MISS