A Review on Louis Van Gaal First season as manager of Manchester United

Koranteng Daniel | @kwamezamani on twitter | May 25, 2015

PHILOSOPHY THE NEW ERA TRANSITION

PHILOSOPHY: S1 E38

#TheEnd

Philosophy has been an absolute hit of a drama series, in its first season for fans and

rivals alike. Sad it ends today. Episode 38.

Time to take a break from the Premier League, 2 months of no stress or heart attack

moments. If Louis Van Gaal's philosophy is a course of study in the University, it's

obvious it could take 5 years to be a graduate, + 1year internship. I won't mind studying

it, though. No matter how much you hate the philosophy, which we don't really know, it

seems intriguing, really.

Philosophy preaches patience. This shows us why patience is indeed a virtue only a few

can pride around with. We are on our way building a team. Just like Sir Alex Ferguson

did.

VDS

Brown, Rio, Vidic, Evra,

Carrick

Scholes, Hargreaves,

Rooney, Tevez, CR7

4-1-2-3[4-3-3]... They were blistering!

Most balanced team SAF ever created. It was an honour and privilege to have witnessed

the construction from foundation.

We started from the bottom, now we here. I still remember that LVG was called the pre-

season one by fans of a club with a serial winner as a coach. They also said Pires over

Giggs. Manchester United was called the next Liverpool.

LVG's philosophy was laughed at and mocked...

Now, philosophy is swimming. Philosophy gradually paying off, dividend lately.

I did say mid-table Manchester United will be feared again, because even while we

remain a team in progress, we are beginning to be difficult to beat. Thank God LVG has

shown he can indeed work with mid-table players, as well as he is a panic-buying guru.

SEASON REVIEW

LVG signed Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, and

Radamel Falcao in one transfer window. To be honest, our transfers are in good, if not

better, hands. Even those he signed for the Youth Education, he has a thing for them.

It was shocking to them that given how Manchester United needed an overhaul than

Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City FC, etc., we had signed just

Shaw & Ander after the World Cup. People even said only Exeter or so had signed fewer

players than #mufc. #Amnesia

When the same overhaul they all agreed #mufc needed, more than certain clubs, was

completed, 'panic buying' became a choice phrase.

'#Mufc needs 5 to 6 world class talents to compete again', they all opined. #mufc signed

only two, they all started saying, 'panic buying'.

If they all said #mufc needed 5 to 6 world class talents to compete, well, Ed Woodward

signed only two. So, we need 4 more.

LVG shipped out 17 players including red boy Danny Welbeck on deadline day and

signed 6. 5 as if the 6 players combined could play 10 positions. Well, only Luke Shaw

plays just one position though.

Obviously, Blind and Rojo aren't world class, but very talented players who can still

become world class like Vidic and Evra.

The season started with experiments and risk taking. Wayne Rooney was named captain

and losing 4-0 to MK Dons in the Capital One cup which became a topic for weeks. The

change from a back-3 system (3-4-1-2) which was a nightmare even though we won with

that on an away fixture at Emirate, to a back 4 (4-4-2 diamond) at some point until LVG

later settled with his usual 4-3-3 system.

Injuries became no news to us as fans because I cant remember a name in our team that

did not suffer an injury. The least one will stay off the pitch due to an injury was a week

and with LVG, you will need match rhythm to be in his team when you recover from an

injury.

At a point when we had one defeat in 19games, of which we had 4 draws, which was a

very positive feature to have in our rebuilding process, I still felt performances haven't

been what we expected, because to me, I'd love to see players played in their natural

positions. I felt performances wont be great at mufc until we have a stable system, and a

stable starting lineup.

I still had faith in the gaffer because I felt gradually he is beginning to know those who

can actually help his tactics positively, especially the subs.

If truth must be told, in a 3-5-2, there's no place for someone like Luke Shaw and that

gave me the courage that LVG would change his system in the course of time. I believed,

he will find the result for these experiments he's been performing to carry out his plans.

Like Jesus Christ will say, "Verily Verily"! - A man, LVG, who's perhaps beginning to

understand the strengths of some of his players which will foster better usage. A man,

flexible enough to do things even if it means/meant going against some of his beliefs, just

to get something positive out of a game.

This is because I don't think it was a coincidence that LVG was making just one

substitution, a game, and it was making a positive impact as against when 2 or more

substitutions from him, we saw mufc capitulate.

Irrespective of how much was spent last summer, at times this season, it wasnt lost on

me that he met a team at its lowest ebb in 3 decades. Physically, mentally, socially,

positionally, etc. Not just the team was at its lowest ebb, but its fans, too.

Talking about last summer's expenses. I think a little tweaking of our transfer policy (ies)

affected the final amount spent. While Shaw remains a typical mufc business, Di Maria

epitomizes the little tweak and I have a feeling he might not be the last marquee signing.

We signed two players last summer via their BOCs - Their clubs said they weren't for

sale, we had to use 'force'. Given chances and time, both will justify their fees.

At a point, Rooney was our third choice CDM, but lest I forget, our game vs PNE was the

first in months we saw #mufc play with DiMa7 behind Rooney and I must say they struck

an 'understanding'.

December brought about rumours of LVG going for his darling boy Kevin Strootman

from Rome and a center back, specifically Mats Hummels. Darling Fletcher left to West

Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal and we signed Victor Valdez who has returned

from a long term injury and has been training with the squad for weeks, on a free deal.

The second half of the season saw us improving. LVG stayed at his usual 4-3-3, David

De Gea continued with his world class saves and sweeping, Young good form kept

struggling DiMa7 sidelined, Fellaini bossing the midfield game after game and Mata and

Herrera was just a fun to watch.

Finally, the season ended with the Manchester United Player of the Year Awards night

which LVG stole the show with a rib cracking speech. At least, we didnt win anything

but we had something to laugh about.

Now, it job done for United. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing to get excited about,

but plenty of positives moving forward. Our season ended with Valencia crossing to

ghosts, Di Maria getting injured again and a boring 0-0 in our final game at Hull but we

finished 4th in the Premier League for the 2014/15 season. It would have been better if

we won our last game but Liverpool losing 6-1 to Stoke made my day.

We have finished the season in 4th place, winning 20 games, drawing 10 losing 8 with 70

points, thus, 17points behind winners Chelsea. I dont think it a long way to go to close

that gap.

The minimum aim was getting back into the top 4 and that's done. Next season we have

to push for the title which I really can't wait. I think LVG has got us heading the right

way with a few more signings we are close to challenging for the title. I have faith in

LVG & the lads.

NEGATIVES

1. Unstable team due to frequent injuries I reckon that Ashley Young played in

seven different positions during the season... CB (getting to the end vs WBA), LB, LWB,

RWB, CM, LW, RW

2. Bad away form which I think if we had a better away record we would have taken

the title race to the last day but that's our fault need to improve next season.

3. Too predictive in our play - possessing without the creativity to penetrate. We

topped the table for most possession, most passing, but sadly were way adrift when it

came to shots on target. Not even in the top 5. Scoring 62 league goals this season and

conceding 37, lowest since 2004-05 when we scored only 58 goals in the league and

finished third.

POSITIVES

Rival fans and even some of our fans be like... How can United fans be happy about

4th? #mufc fans are celebrating 4th.

From 7th to 4th is worth celebrating. But to stay in 4th for years and keep celebrating is

sick. 7th last year, new manager, new 'philosophy', hampered with injuries and still need

players. It's not like #mufc have finished 4th for the past 10 yrs... Its a rebuilding

process, this summer should be the final piece to the puzzle. 7th to 4th is progress... What

is 4th to 4th in 4 seasons, at least? If you just close your eyes and listen you can almost

hear the Champions League anthem already playing at Old Trafford.

Apart from qualifying for the UCL, those few games where #mufc beat Spurs, had a

double on Liverpool which was a perfect revenge for last season and beating City this

season was just awesome and our home record being good. LVG has turned OT back to

a fortress but need to improve on our away form next season though.

Again, just this alone, is a Progress.

GOALS FROM MIDFIELDERS (Last

Season, 2013-2014)

GOALS FROM MIDFIELDERS (This

Season, 2014-2015)

Mata - 6 goals Mata - 10 goals

Carrick - 1 goal Carrick - 1 goal

Cleverley - 1 goal Di Maria - 4 goals

Blind - 2 goals

Herrera - 7 goals

Fellaini - 7 goals

TOTAL = 8 goals TOTAL = 32 goals

Smalling having good games match after match and I started believing Anderson might

still play a role at Manchester United, because I could never recall Smalling having 3

lovely games, consecutively, since he joined from Fulham. After the City game which

LVG tagged him as stupid for a red card, there was a revival for Chris. I thought he

must have spent some time in the tribune after his madness vs Manchester City.

We had an injury debacle at Manchester United but players were improving without us

realizing it. Arsene Wenger wants smalling? Lol... It'd be more difficult now, sir. You

can't get Smalling, not when he's looking like the new Luka Modric.

I imagined Anderson finding his fitness, plays the next 3games and 'has been brilliant' is

found in articles about him. When you saw Young, Valencia, Smalling and Fellaini then,

you'd oblige me this chance to think like that. Anderson was after all a very talented

player, one who has got eyes for a forward pass. Sadly, he decided KFC won't allow him

stay fit!

Since he was training at Man United, I never ruled it out, until Anderson was finally

gone. What if LVG had a special regimen 4 him? A certain Anderson started some

games under Moyes, and some of you will agree he was better than Cleverley, even with

his lack of fitness!

For Fellaini, Bravo to LVG for doing a good job on him, especially his elbows. Fellaini's

leg commits its first foul of the season against Hull City, our last game and it was a RED

card.

Fellaini, the 27m tree... The Afroman, Some of you called him. Suddenly, the tree was

balling. We were all happy he was looking like an untouchable tree. But he still owes us a

5m performance vs Everton. Fellaini had some good games last season though. Against

Bayern, Sociedad, WestHam and few others, I think.

Bastian Schweinsteiger was turned to a wonderful central midfielder, from a winger.

Now, Young tells us he enjoyed playing at LB. ASHLEY YOUNG, I know, as long as he

is still referred to as 'A Manchester United player', he'll be happy as a backup to David

De Gea.

At that point, when LVG moved to his usual 4-3-3. A midfield 3 of Fellaini, Carrick and

Herrera. A midfield doesnt get any more balanced than that. A controller, a Box2Box

and a playmaker. The truth is, in the English Premier League, you'll need a physical and

aerial presence always or you'll be bullied. In the UCL, well, not so much.

Fellaini's physical and aerial presence remain a needed tool in that midfield! We must be

happy he's balling. When you take out Fellaini, who's thankfully playing well, our

midfield becomes thin, needing steel and aerial presence. Fellaini had been skillful,

brilliant passer and adds guile.

But should we get a Strootman/Morgan (CDM & box2box), then, you'll be talking about

a dynamic Fellaini. For now, Fellaini will continue to start.

It was absolutely superb how fluid some of United's attacks have become. Herrera, Blind,

Fellaini and Young all playing so intelligently.

It was great to see how good De Gea actually was at sweeper keeping. I think working

with Franks Hoek has taught him a lot this past months.

Daley Blind also becoming a signing I couldnt see mufc regretting any time soon and

perhaps we should thank Gary Neville for that. One may ask how Gary is involved.

When he said he can't pass forward (takes easy options)... Since then, Blind started

proving why he won Eredivise player of the year.

Herrera being on the bench for weeks until one day he earned this starting berth. Since

then, he become undroppable. His passing, timely tackles, interceptions, runs and

partnership with fellow Spaniard Juan was just a dream to watch.

Mufc attacked fluidly and with confidence. It took some time, but Van Gaal's ideas was

finally taking effect. When United attack down the flanks, it's not just the wingers on

their own, but team-play with Blind, Young, Valencia and Mata all combining

It was difficult to believe in a 'balance of power', that football changes so quickly, even

one year can make a world of difference.

We are rebuilding... Finally, we've seen a quicker transition from defensive to offensive

phase, which aids the attack.

We are rebuilding... These are positive signs, though attack(ing) wise but most of the

architects are now knowing each others strengths and weaknesses.

At the moment, the team isnt built to contain, which was the case last season. Last

season, we were shaped to contain. We are being shaped to take risks, massive risks, but

the misfortune is, the defense lacks the needed quality to help this move.

The biggest issue now is the lack of quality & leadership needed to undertake such a

risky play and a stable center pair. Having a different CB partnership week in week out,

that doesn't help defensive stability.

What does it mean? You won't see LVG park the bus against any team, despite having a

shite defense that keeps changing every week. In perspective, Chelsea has had Cahill-

Terry since the league started this season, like much of last season.

Last season, we hardly had a stable defense, too. If you ask most goalkeepers, they'll tell

you how imperative having a stable back 4 is.

Of the 150m or so spent by Manchester United last summer, at least 100m was spent

on 3players who have helped improve us offensively. The 3players are Blind, Di Maria

and Herrera. The improvement on our offensive play is as a result of their quality.

Physically, those 3 will have to do better but they are also new which means that they

will need time to do that, especially Daley Blind.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SUMMER AHEAD OF NEXT SEASON

PHILOSOPHY S1: Restore confidence and establish possession style.

PHILOSOPHY S2: Buy Vaseline for easy penetration.

Time to get players who can help lock up and man the back door and allow the creative

ones freedom to penetrate teams from front and back.

Last summer, we improved our offensive talents and we are seeing positive signs. Next

up? Improving the defensive talents!

Love the fact that Van Gaal has already decided what players he wants to sign and who

he wants to leave. LVG moving straight off on holidays, says all decisions have been

made about players, in and out. We are looking forward to a brutal window as he

confirms it will be a "heavy" summer for #mufc.

"I go on holiday but I have contact every day with Woodward. He's doing the

negotiations. It is waiting for clubs to agree or not. It is hard work, but more for CEO

than me. I go on holiday but I will always be in contact."

"We have to decide who stays, who goes and who comes in. That is why I'm the

manager. You have to decide which players are to go and which have to come. That is a

process. "It is not so easy."

"I shall give everything in me to build a new champions team. I've talked with every

player. I know which players have to go and have to come. Now is not the right time to

say." said LVG.

You get the feeling United are going to get all their business done in the first month of

this summer if possible. Swift movement.

And letting Falcao go back to Monaco is the perfect way to start that. Right decision.

Hope he'll thrive elsewhere (but not in the PL...)

That's 250,000 a week off the wage bill. Add that on top of Adidas money + countless

other sponsorship deals...quids (and players) in. I don't expect us to announce any other

signings or agreements until June, except the deal is threatened depayically.

Honestly, I can't remember being more excited about a signing than that of Falcao in the

last window. It never sulked, tried always but it was just not happening. He was like a

dream signing. Shame it didn't work out. I'm genuinely gutted it never worked out. In my

opinion he is still world class. Best of luck to him at his next club.

Moreover, I share some of u, your sentiments, that some players in the youth team should

be given a chance. Yeah! They should see more games next season but we must have the

right quality around them.

I think our U21 will need the sort of quality that surrounded Sebastian Rode

(Schweisteiger, Javi, Alonso etc.) at Bayern. I'd prefer seeing Godin/Hummels - McNair

partnership to Smalling - McNair... Or Godin/Hummels Thorpe partnership to Smalling

- Thorpe.

Getting in quality players would help bring out the talent of the youngsters. U can't afford

to play many at a time. Our identity has always been finding the Rooneys, the David De

Geas, the CR7s, promoting youngsters, and allowing them learn from quality

experience!

Januzaj can finally see pressure taken off him while he shares a training ground with Di

Maria, whom he can learn a lot of things from. Gladly, in LVG, we have a man with a

proven track record of doing that. Promoting Blackett, Reece, Lingard, Wilson etc. and

signing Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw & Daley Blind shows that

LVG understands #Mufc's identity 100%.

In my opinion, I would want us to sign two CBs. Evans must go and we can't rely on

Jones (by heart injuries). But I don't see #MUFC signing two central defenders. 2

defenders, CB & RB? Yes, but not two CBs because of Smalling, Jones (best young CB

in Europe), McNair, Fosu Mensah & Thorpe.

As long as they will stay away from injuries, I don't think McNair, Thorpe and Fosu-

Mensah are far away. Smalling is looking good at 25. Smalling and Jones need to stay

away from the physio-room to also ensure we don't sign a 2nd CB. Their development

could help those 3 lads.

For Ofosu-Mensah, the least said about him, the better. A CB who plays DM like thats

his original position. Coming from Ajax, you cannot rule out his versatility. But since

joining us, he's been balling at CB.

One may argue that if Ofosu-Mensah and Thorpe weren't "far away", LVG would have

played them by now. It's like saying Pereira isn't ready just because they've been fewer

games to feature him. McNair came from nowhere. There have not been far away, in

perspective, LVG debuted Xavi at 18, Kroos, at 18, Valdes at 18 & McNair at 19. So, it

could happen any time, especially when we have more games next season than we did

this season.

SIGNING A CB & RB

Defensively?

LVG has got to do something about #mufc's defensive shape and also prioritize signing a

quality CB this summer looking at some goals we conceded and the level of football we

going to play next season. Credit to him for being able to fix the defensive shape and

ensure we stay within touching distance of a UCL spot during the season. Now we are

there, time to add a quality, experienced CB to aid us maximize the attacking strength

confidently.

The defense need an injection of such quality, the RB and central defense. Gladly, in

Shaw, we do have a specialist LB already signed.

With the imminent departure of Rafael, there is the need to provide Valencia competition

at RB. We need to ensure he fights for a place. Rumours says we are close to sealing a

deal for Saints Nathaniel Clyne which will be a perfect replacement for Rafael. At the

moment, I see Clyne to United as very likely. Luke Shaw has been in contact with his as

well. Clyne is eager for the move. 20m would be a bargain.

Dani Alves as a free agent, the one I have been watching this season, I would welcome at

#Mufc, not to replace Rafael but to bring in his experience which we will need going

forward in competitions.

Like LVG's brilliance failed to make our transitions quicker until he injected DM7 and

Herrera, so will the defense need such an injection. The improvement seen, offensively,

is as a result of the quality injected. Obviously, we surely were never going to fix all in

one transfer window.

We have always needed at least two windows to fix the team. LVG has done brilliantly

well to get those to fix us offensively in a window. Next job for him [LvG]? The next

window, get those to fix Manchester United defensively even though Carricks

replacement is needed badly.

LVG's philosophy is massively different from Moyes, but nevertheless depends on talents

to be great. Defensively, mufc lacks those talents. Jones, Evans, Smalling, Rafael etc. all

were always injured last season (2013-14). We hardly had a stable back 4. This season,

they've also continued.

With the sudden U-turn made by #mufc priority centre back target, Mats Hummels to

stay at #BVB as confirmed by Michael Zorc (#BVB Director), #mufc have moved to the

second target on their scale of preference, Nicolas Otamendi according to reports.

Ole, an Argentine newspaper who are usually quite reliable reported on May 20th that

#mufc and Otamendi have agreed a contract and he is likely to move to the English club

after Copa America.

The long and short of it - Otamendi's agent has confirmed he's pushing to leave this

summer and Marca has also confirmed the fact that his agent is fighting to reduce the

50m clause for the player. The difficult is for Manchester United and Valencia to agree

a contract. Otamendi's buyout clause stands at 50m.

Any move for the Argentinian centre back, who has had a ridiculously good season, is

likely to happen AFTER Copa Amrica, according to Ol.

My personal opinion; I have not seen a better defender in 2014/2015 than Otamendi. He

has been in top form. Dominates every aspect of the game.

Perhaps not the "ball playing centre back" many wants, but he's certainly not unknown to

carrying the ball out of the defence. Very Confident, good on the attack too which is a

bonus. Otamendi would be an incredible signing. He is by far the best CB in La Liga this

season.

Super Deporte, Valencia based paper, claims that Otamendi will stay at the club next

season, refusing approaches from Manchester United but I trust Marca and Ole's reports

that Otamendi has agreed on a move. His buy-Out-clause will decide. Otamendi has his

mates Rojo & Di Maria at mufc and he'll finally get his move to a big club. I have a

feeling this could be finalised after the Copa America. Fingers crossed!

ON CHICHARITO (The Recall of the prodigal son)

That funny moment when some #mufc fans think Harry Kane must prove himself one

more season before we make a move for him when the Kane to #mufc rumour cropped up

some days back. Same people want Lacazette.

We all want a tried and tested striker but in my opinion we have one in Javier Hernandez

Chicharito. Marca reporting that, Javier Hernandez will not be bought by Real Madrid

and that he will return to #mufc is a good news IMO!

I remain resolute in my belief that if given games, he will be happy and score goals. At

times, its not about 20 goals a season. RVP once score 40 (trophyless) goals for Arsenal

in a season. Chelseas top scorer in the PL is at 20 goals. Manchester City has someone

on 25. CR7 scored 50+ goals. Robben is on 17goals if Im not missing my stats.

There is this trust in Chichas ability to score goals if given games. Yes! Not a great

footballer. Vidic wasnt. Chicharito is a lovely finisher just as Vidic was a great defender.

Chicharito is an asset worth giving games to be honest.

He might not be a great footballer, may never see himself as a starter at any big club

because of that, but his ability to score, and is something Id always appreciate him for.

It's also something Id gladly have on #MUFC's bench next season!

Watching him harass Atletico's back line some weeks back, I told myself, that was a

typical Chicharito night. He does his best to keep CBs busy! He is a pure fox in the box.

On a very good day, he could have had more than the goal he scored on that night.

Always found his way behind the CBs.

I dont know about anybody else, but for me, if LVG can find a way to keep him as

happy as SAF did despite the fact he was mostly a sub, I'd be glad. As long as Chicharito

is playing, even if as a sub, and scoring, he'd be happy. That was SAF's trick, I guess. He

will get you goals!

The way we play at the moment, we might need a fox in the box who has proven himself

to always come off the bench, and perhaps start CUP games, too.

Chicharito is like some of us prefer Otamendi to Hummels. Hummels is gracious with the

ball on his foot, Otamendi isnt but then, Vidic was not gracious in possession like

Hummels but he was monstrous. Otamendi isn't gracious but monstrous, like Vidic.

I am of the opinion also that, however, if Chicharito, must be sold, then, we shouldn't lose

Angelo. That's his replacement, but I pray we keep him. SAF understood, Chicha

wouldn't be 1st choice at a club like MUFC, but he also understood that if he's happy,

he'd be of immense benefit.

Angelo seems to stay far away from injuries while Wilson fights injuries. Angelo seems

to be netting goals anyhow while Wilson nurses injuries. However, both are talented

scorers. We keep looking for a South American talent, yet, we tend to forget where

Angelo comes from. Seems we are waiting for Juventus to show us how to give chances

to someone like him,

We need Chicharito. Well, I do accept that many wont forgive him for those things he

said. Thats why I call him #TheProdigalSon. With DiMa7 expected to hit form soon,

Mata playing well now, as always and Herrera in a spiritual form, please,

#BRINGBACKOURCHICHARITO!

ON YOUNG AND SHAW ABSENCE FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTIES

I am really happy the FA understood the concerns of #mufc medical team on the players

unavailability. Manchester United is very important and I prefer they have a deserved

rest.

ON THE NEW PSV BOY

I think the arrival of Depay spell DOOM for Nani rather than Januzaj. I feel that soon,

these youngsters could take over MUFC. Nani's ability to shoot from outside the box is

something Depay seems better gifted at. So, perhaps a direct replacement for Nani, he is.

PSV apparently want Januzaj on loan which would be a perfect deal, I think.

If that happens, please #KeepMyNani at least for a season.

SIGNING OF STRIKER

With Falcaos exit and rumours circulating concerning RVPs future at #mufc, I think we

will need that out-and-out striker in the shape of Wayne in his youth. I think this is where

the move for Harry Kane comes in.

SIGNING OF A GK

With speculations making waves that De Gea could move to Madrid since he has decided

not to sign a new contract, IMO, Valdez should be given the no.1 position.

Many may argue that we should go in for a new GK and that Valdes is rusty to be our

no.1. You all should give Valdes a break. He needs to understand how the league is and

then, readjust his system to suit it. David De Gea went through it! How some of you

expect someone like Valdes, out for a long time from top level football, to just start

BOSSING is quite incredible!

He's been out of the game for so long. Of course, he'd be rusty. All he needs is time, and

he did show he STILL has very sharp REFLEXES. We should only go for another

goalkeeper if Lindergaard wants out.

SIGNING OF A CDM (Carricks replacement)

We really struggled without Carrick. He is our coach on the pitch. IMO, No6 is a very

key player. With Carrick fighting injuries weeks in, weeks out, considering his age, it will

be very reasonable to find a young player who can fit in his role. With this, i look forward

to LVG signing a CDM since #mufc cannot rely on Carrick solely.

I still believe Strootman/Schneiderlin is the real Carrick replacement. Michael Carrick is

not as creative as Herrera, but he's a more intelligent reader of the game, defensively.

Herrera wins more tackles per game than Carrick, but Carrick's reading of the game is an

excellent tool that can complement Herrera.

So, when you partner Carrick-Herrera, since Ander is more creative, he'll depend on

Carrick reading of the game, while Carrick depends on his creativity. So, Ander plays

like a box2box, but not as Intelligent as Carrick who is a more intelligent player

defensively.

Herrera is more aggressive, hence wins more tackles and commits more foul than

Carrick. Carrick is calm, depends on smart anticipation...

So, why does #mufc suffer when Carrick-Cleverley are paired in midfield? We suffer

whenever we pair Carrick-Cleverley because neither takes the creative burden off the

shoulders of the other. Cleverley lacks the creativity, Carrick lacks the creativity.

Cleverley isnt as intelligent as Carrick so defense and attack suffer.

Herrera-Carrick is akin to Scholes-Carrick. You can finally see why we would always

suffer with a midfield 2 of Carrick-Cleverley!!

In signing Daley Blind, LVG has actually added a creative Michael Carrick!!! They are

similar, but Blind is creative and versatile!

If Kevin Strootman proves his fitness and LVG signs him or even Morgan, he would

have completed the 3 most imperative midfielders needed for LVG's 4-3-3 with a very

versatile set of players.

1. Strootman/Schneiderlin/Herrera, -box2box midfielder (midfield general).

2. Strootman/Schneiderlin/Daley Blind/Michael Carrick - CDM (controller(s))

3. Herrera/Mata/Rooney/DiMa7 - playmaker(s)

Of those midfielders, Sneiderlin/Strootman-Herrera are more aggressive, win more

tackles, but Blind-Carrick r better readers of the game. #Intelligence

Does it mean Strootman, Herrera, for example, are bad readers of the game? Trust me,

they aren't. Blind and Carrick are just better!

The only problem Fellaini has is that he lacks pace... He's another option, in midfield

offensively. Useful tool off the bench!

A midfield 3 of Strootman, Blind and Herrera will have; Physical presence, security and

creativity, 3 elements we've lacked for a while.

Madrid will parade Kroos, Modric and Isco...We'll lineup Strootman/Schneiderlin, Blind

and Herrera. Ed Woodward has plans, we watch the space. His plans are cloudy at the

moment, would be lucid by September.

We are just in progress at the moment. If LVG adds /Morgan/Stroot/ this summer, that's

him adding a CDM and a box2box midfielder... Player who plays 2 positions effectively.

Playing as a CDM will be replacing Carrick whilst the box2box role will be bonus.

As Id welcome free agent De Jong, too. I actually don't consider getting De Jong on a

free as a short term fix and it doesn't stop us from signing the long term DM. Bayern has

Thiago, Bastian, Javi, Rode(who's quite a talent) etc. in midfield. De Jong will adds depth

and will give us options without a drop in quality, whenever needed.

Rumours of Ilkay Gundogan moving to #mufc makes it even better. I'm patiently waiting

to see this no 6 LVG will sign... I know he loves thinkers in his midfield, so, Im waiting.

A midfield 3 of Strootman/Schneiderlin, Gundogan and Herrera in 2yrs time. By then,

Strootman would have been done with his injury and still 26. #Dreaming

We are gradually building a midfield that can get the best out of Chicharito's criminal

runs!

WORKING ON BLIND AND DI MARIAS FITNESS AND CONFIDENCE:

For Blind & Di Maria, the most important thing is that they are very talented and

intelligent. That's the most important element. But to fully utilize their intelligence, like

DDG, they must add a bit of muscles. Remember when Rafael was easy meat? He then

added.

They don't need too much muscles, just to add a little to be stronger. You may argue that,

'but players like Silva, Navas and Mata play in the league now. The adaptation for them

starts with trying to come to terms with the physical nature of the league and the pace,

then gym things!

For their confidence, LVG is an experience Gaffer. If he was able to work on Fellaini's

confidence and elbows, why not them?

IN CONCLUSION

As a MANCHESTER UNITED fan, it's your duty to see the direction we are heading to,

a short term pain for a long term gain. Look at the direction.

And for rival fans, your duty is to enjoy the short term laughter for a long term hating

because you all will hate Manchester United again!

My happiness is that, there are signs we are slowly getting back that mojo for big

games, too. I have this feeling by the time LVG's done, you'll need to be really talented

and consistent to be on #MUFC's bench. Wonder what Philosophy has for us in its

Season 2.

AKNOWLEDGEMENT

Elko Born Dutch football writer for the Blizzard, FourFourTwo, The Daily Telegraph,

Mirror Football, ESPN and more. (elkoborn.com, @Elko_B on twitter)

War Eagle Nigeria (Emergefocus.com)

Osei Akoto Kanu Head of Sports Department, OTEC FM 102.5 Kumasi, Ghana.

George Owusu Koranteng (A.I.G) Golden Bean Hotels

Eshun Richard (Cruyff) - KNUST

Documents

A Review on Louis Van Gaal First season as manager of Manchester United