OLD TRAFFORD UNCOVERED: How Louis van Gaal has revitalised Manchester United
IT HAS taken some time, and there have been more than a few doubts along the way, but Louis van Gaal’s so-called “philosophy” appears to have transformed Manchester United’s fortunes.
Manchester United 4-2 Manchester City: Young and Fellaini praised by van Gaal
While they were winning games earlier in the season, United did not convince anyone they were the real deal. They were vulnerable defensively, pedestrian in midfield, looked unbalanced and were heavily reliant on the goalkeeping heroics of David De Gea.
Van Gaal even admitted at one point that his demanding training methods were taxing his players too much, physically and mentally.
There is no gain though without some pain. Now though everything seems to be falling into place. They are winning with real conviction, look well-balanced and are producing performances of tempo and penetration.
And their record against the top seven clubs underlines the progress they are making under their Dutch manager.
They "top" the mini-table of matches between the top seven teams, with yesterday’s Manchester derby win making it six wins, two draws and two defeats against their top of the table rivals – with Chelsea (away) and Arsenal (home) still to come.
Van Gaal constantly chopped and changed his personnel and formations in a bid to find the winning blend and either by accident or design has found one that no-one really predicted.
Surprisingly, it has been achieved without stars like Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Rafael Di Silva and Adnan Januzaj.
Van Gaal has shown he is not bothered by names, egos or transfer fees. He picks the men who comply to his standards and best fit the system he wants to use.
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Louis van Gaal has turned Manchester United's fortunes around in recent weeks
Instead, players who many thought might prove surplus to requirements like Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata have seized the chance to resurrect their careers.
Fellaini’s transformation has been the most surprising. So bad was his debut season at Old Trafford that he was booed and jeered by his own fans when he came on in a pre-season. What a contract to yesterday’s derby when he came off near the end to a standing ovation.
Van Gaal has given him confidence and played him in his best position, just off the front in an attacking midfield role, where his height and physical presence gives United another attacking option and takes some of the burden from Wayne Rooney.
Significantly, United’s first goal in the derby stemmed from Fellaini’s awkward presence forcing Pablo Zabaleta to inadvertently knock David De Gea’s long punt into the path of Ander Herrera who crossed for Ashley Young to score.
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini's career progression so far
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Fellaini scored the second himself with a trademark far post header from Young’s deep cross. He also forced Martin Demichelis to concede possession in the build-up to the third while his penalty box presence was a factor in Chris Smalling being left with a free header for the fourth.
Rooney is much happier playing as a striker after a spell in midfield, Michael Carrick’s return in midfield has been vital; Ander Herrera’s energy and tenacity and eye for goal has been significant, while his intuitive understanding with Mata has been a real feature of United’s midfield play.
Defensively, United made a dodgy start to the derby but Phil Jones and Smalling recovered their composure to offer more evidence that, if they stay fit, they can build the centre back partnership that Sir Alex Ferguson envisaged when he bought them as the long-term replacements for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Fellaini’s form is so good that Van Gaal admits he is “undroppable” and has posed questions about the futures of both Van Persie and Falcao.
Juan Mata - Player Profile
It will be no surprise at all if United decide not to turn Falcao’s loan spell from Monaco into a permanent move. In fact, the surprise would be if the decision has not already been made.
Van Persie’s possible departure is more debatable. On one hand, with United set to return to the Champions League they will need his experience.
But on the other hand he is 32 in August and with only a year left on his current deal, a sale would make room for anticipated summer moves for Memphis Depay and Edinson Cavani.
Di Maria – who has contributed 10 assists – is likely to be given a second season to justify his British record transfer fee, unless he tells United he wants to leave. And so far, if his interviews are anything to go on, he insists he is happy and wants to stay.
Wayne Rooney Player Profile
United had declined so far in David Moyes' ill-fated 10 months in charge that returning to the Champions League, via a top four finish, was all their followers realistically hoped for this season.
Finishing above City – and grabbing second or third – was beyond anyone’s expectations but that is the way it is looking after a comprehensive derby victory maintained their impressive momentum while compounding the problems of their neighbours.
If they can make it seven wins at Stamford Bridge on Saturday then the title race could still have a twist yet. But, realistically, United are gearing up for the big push next season.
They are still a work in progress but if they can add targets like Depay, Cavani, Mats Hummels and Nathaniel Clyne then they will be confident of making a serious challenge for the Premier League title as well as re-establishing themselves as a European force.
