Manchester United have remained in the spotlight ever since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
It is clear to say it has been nothing but a roller-coaster since the beginning of last season; 7th place finish in the league, lack of European football for the first time in years, and the team depreciated with the loss of Captain Vidic and players such as Evra and Ferdinand, and director David Gill. All in all, if there was one year to forget in Utd’s history, all fingers point to last 2013.
So, with their third manager in one year, how has Van Gaal done in terms of establishing a new United golden era? It’s hard to say. There are some achievements of Van Gaal which may be more apparent than others.
So the obvious ones…
Di Maria, Falcao… Wow. Kudos to Van Gaal, because he did not buy just any players, but sought out those among Europe’s elite who still maintain their thirst and enthusiasm for the game.
British football’s record signing is showing why any top manager would give their right leg to have him in their team, whilst Falcao is very quickly finding his feet (no pun intended). In handing Di Maria the no 7 jersey, the Man United faithful have placed a measure of expectation similar to his predecessor, Ronaldo.
Then there’s Rojo, a player destined to take up a prominent role in United’s defense, whilst Dutch Player of the Year, Daley Blind, has brought some much needed intelligence to United’s game. Unlike David Moyes whose £27m signing of Marouane Felliani remains unjustified, Van Gaal has bought players that his club need.
United for the 1st time in a year find themselves in Champions League contention, which is a far-cry from where the most successful league team want to be, but some distance from where they were months ago. Still, with the game against Leicester, Van Gaal very quickly learned a thing or two about the pace of the PL and the high degree of competitiveness that surrounds it.
Are we in the presence of a new fortified Old Trafford? Van Gaal’s men have remained unbeaten at home, which is a real testament to their current position. Their next home fixture will be their biggest home test against Chelsea, but Manchester United under Van Gaal have managed to make opposition teams fear Old Trafford once again.
Fans around the world, both existing and new-coming players, and Van Gaal have observed that the new found confidence that was evidently lacking around Old Trafford during the Moyes era, has begun to return.
And boy, has it been priceless for players like Di Maria who now have points to prove, and for players like Blackett who have been given the opportunity of first team football, and even for players such as Van Persie and Carrick, who have to now adjust to change and fight for their place in the new look Manchester United squad.
The series of events over the past year may have just led United to the start of one of their greatest eras after Ferguson. Van Gaal and co. will be confident that United have undergone all necessary measures to ensure they reach the same heights as they did in the past. The era of Moyes for United fans must seem quite some time ago, and that alone entitles Van Gaal to a great deal of respect.