Van Gaal Failing To Meet Man United Standards

This writer came up with a piece back in November on five reasons why Manchester United could still win the title.

Of course, it seems silly now but the logic used to put that piece together at the time was perfectly acceptable. They had Louis Van Gaal – a revered coach; a squad packed full of reputed world class players – some of whom had come in from the cold to rejuvenate their careers at Old Trafford – injuries were easing and a lack of European football – unlike their competitors – was a plus.

Regression
Fast forward a couple of months or so and Manchester United haven’t just stood still, they’ve actually regressed. They do still remain in the top four, somehow, but should they continue to perform like they have for most of this season, you would worry Champions League football would be beyond them come May for the second season running – a catastrophic thought for any Red Devils’ fan.

From 24 league games, they have won just 12: the same statistic David Moyes had acquired at the same stage last season. Whilst Manchester United fans loath the comparative studies between the pair, there has to be large consideration given to the idea Van Gaal hasn’t been much better than the Scot so far.

The Dutchman was brought to Old Trafford with his ‘philosophy’ on football eulogised by all and sundry but what has been served up to date has been just as dour and directionless as his predecessors’ time in charge.  The performance against West Ham yesterday was merely a snapshot of how a lot of games have gone this season – points garnered by accident rather than design.

Tactics
The former Barcelona coach’s tactics have been baffling, to say the least. The formations this season have varied wildly, from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1, with no discernible style amongst the rabble. There is a sense of confusion amongst most line-ups, with a theme of ‘too many cooks spoiling the broth’ permeating. Indeed, there seems to be more number 10s in this United squad than a deck of cards.

Trailing 1-0 at Upton Park yesterday, the sight of Maroaune Fellaini coming off the bench for the ball to be knocked long to him whilst Juan Mata and Ander Herrera were left kicking their heels on the bench was galling.

Not because it didn’t work but because Van Gaal is supposed to be a renowned tactician beneath that. If it was Paul Lambert or Steve Bruce, you’d have laughed. Strikingly, big Sam Allardyce labelled United a ‘Long ball team’ in his post-match interview.

Man Management
His handling of former Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera has been appalling, frankly. The excuse used for his lack of playing time is that he is behind the likes of Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata in the attacking midfield slots but the Basque generally doesn’t play in that position. He can play there, but is stronger in the engine room of central midfield.

It also cannot be ignored that Radamel Falcao, one of the deadliest strikers in world football, looks like a pub player under the former Oranje coach. On a reported £300,000 a week, the Colombian international has managed just four goals all season and whilst he has had his injury problems, the lack of service to him has been shoddy, at best. Angel Di Maria, among others, hasn’t performed at his normal level in months and that can only be down to a lack of coherent strategy from the manager.

Top 4 Worry
Van Gaal’s side do still remain fourth but that is mostly down to an efficient conversion rate and some of the best goalkeeping you’ll ever see. That cannot and will not continue. Southampton, into third, are no jokes and the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool all look like more organised, coherent outfits with a consistent style of play and, in theory, appear to be in a far better position to make the top four ahead of United.

Van Gaal was brought to Old Trafford on the back of a big reputation for attacking football but, so far, he is failing to implement anywhere near what is required and Manchester United fans, as much as they’d say otherwise, are worried.

One wonders what the future holds for the ‘Iron Tulip’ should his first season in charge end outside those much sought-after Champions League spots. At just 4/11 to qualify, they must be one of the biggest lays of the season.