Opinion piece - Manchester United are on the right path
Manchester United are on the right path
By Jason White
AFTER Manchester United finished seventh in the 2013/14 Premier League many welcomed the appointment of the Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal. Van Gaal had a great managerial record, winning titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar. He had managed a young Dutch national team to the World Cup semi finals. This left many fans thinking the upcoming season was going to be a lot better.
Van Gaal still needed a squad overhaul and it looked like it was going to happen when Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw were all brought in. While the loan signing of previously profilic Radamel Falcao from AS Monaco, left many excited about their chances of getting back into the Champions League and seeing if the form of Van Persie could improve under his previous international manager.
Despite Van Gaal’s records and the superb pre-season performances, they didn’t hit the ground running in the league. An opening day defeat to Swansea showed this, an away victory deluded Van Gaal until two away wins came together against Southampton and Arsenal. Performances weren’t good enough and they didn’t pick up until March with victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata, two signings made under David Moyes, were key to the improvements while Ashley Young was making himself a stand out name for the Red Devils. After an away defeat to Chelsea, the team then looked found out after losing to Everton and West Brom in their next games. Criticism was high as the coaching staff didn’t look like it had a plan B.
United always suffered with injuries throughtout the season but the depth of the team made this a poor excuse, the manager didn’t know his best team and reluctance to get on the touchline and give orders annoyed supporters. A mis-firing Falcao and an out of form Di Maria left fans wondering why they were signed.
Adnan Januzaj had previously shone under Moyes but hadn’t improved under Van Gaal. However there was a breakthrough with Paddy McNair, who put in some good performances including his debut against West Ham. Jesse Lingard had a good pre-season but was unlucky with his injury against Swansea on the opening day.
The first season under Van Gaal’s reign was only partialy successful but he can build from it and improve the team. The Red Devils need to keep Di Maria and add a midfielder with good range. A commanding centre half is needed that has leadership qualities while a right back is also needed. A striker and goalkeeper might also be needed if David De Gea and Robin Van Persie or Javier Hernandez gets sold. Van Gaal also needs to bring through some younger players. Andreas Pereira has played well at under 20s World Cup, while James Wilson and Jesse Lingard can provide that speed on the attack. If the right recruitment and management style is adopted then Manchester United should be more of a threat next season.