da poker： After replacing David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal adopted a side who were bereft of confidence and at their lowest ebb in over two decades.
da blaze casino： The experienced Dutchman spent a lot of money in the summer and therefore some fans demanded instant success. As Manchester United, struggled through winter, serious questions were asked. However, as they now look set for a return to Champions League football, did the manager get it right all along?
Van Gaal was quite open in the early days of his tenure in Manchester. He suggested it may take a while for some of his players to fully digest some of his footballing philosophies. He is almost the polar opposite of a Harry Redknapp style manager, he is interested in the fine intricacies of the game. A look through his management career will highlight a learning curve for his new players, and United was no different.
The Dutchman, seemed to be extremely keen on a 3-5-2 formation in his early days, sometimes to the detriment to the team. His stubbornness however, is beginning to pay dividends. Although he now adopts a 4-3-3 system, some of his early moves are showing rewards. Ashley Young in particular has been a revelation in his new defensive position.
Van Gaal has recently suggested his reliance on three at the back was mainly due to the players at his disposal at the time. Injuries, especially in defensive areas, had deprived the new manager a number of players. But recent weeks he has been able to put out a more stable defence. Even much maligned Chris Smalling has put himself forward with a number of impressive, mature performances.
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During those difficult winter months, Man United, without playing particularly well, kept winning games. Showing the old United characteristics that have made them such a dominant force since the early 90’s. From last year’s debacle, where it seemed like every visiting side would relish a trip to Old Trafford, they have again become difficult to beat.
Those winter performances have built them a foundation on to which they can now make a serious challenge for those sought after top four places.
Their recent scintillating victories over rivals Tottenham and Liverpool have unquestionably been their best performances of the season and with eight games still left to go, it is not unreasonable to see them adopt one of the top two places. A quite frankly remarkable recovery from last season’s struggles.
He seems to have crafted his side with the perfect mix of mettle and flair. The combination of Mata and Fellaini have been a real positive addition, with both players enjoying their best period in a red shirt.
A look back at the job he did at Bayern Munich makes for an interesting comparison. Huge early struggles were followed by months of effective consolidation that allowed them to win the title. Although his first season in England will end without a trophy, he has re-established Man United as a top team in English football.
With a full pre-season ahead of him, expect Man United to be a real force come next August. Champions League football will be achieved, despite all the criticism from those in and outside the club.
Less than one season in, Van Gaal looks like he may have known more than us all along. Strange.
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