Allen Hamilton
Louis van Gaal could never be accused of hiding his true character. After all, he once admitted: "I am who I am: confident, arrogant, dominant, honest, hard-working and innovative." And with his managerial track record at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he has every reason to be bold.
The Holland boss has added to his legacy this summer by leading the Dutch into the World Cup semi-finals, bringing the best out of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie while also placing his faith in a talented crop of younger players.
Once the tournament is over, however, Van Gaal will take over as Manchester United manager, tasked with helping the club rebuild from the brief but disastrous David Moyes era. And there is every reason for several Manchester United players to be watching Holland’s games anxiously and questioning whether they have a future under Van Gaal.
Look for the Dutchman’s first month – from mid-July to Manchester United’s opening weekend clash with Swansea on 16th August – to be action-packed. Though Van Gaal has spoken of his knack for improving players and is thought to have gathered insights on the top prospects from the club’s academy, he will have some tough decisions to make once he has the chance to fully assess the Red Devils squad that he is inheriting.
This is a team in transition, with a large number of players that have yet to prove they are good enough or consistent enough to feature in a title-chasing side. Watching Holland at the 2014 World Cup, it is clear that Van Gaal will demand discipline, fearlessness and intelligent decision-making. He will not hesitate to overlook those players who do not fit his philosophy.
Defensively, Van Gaal has two left-backs at opposite ends of their careers – Patrice Evra, who has faded badly in recent years, and Luke Shaw, who turns 19 this month but is still learning the game at the highest level after impressing at Southampton. Given Van Gaal’s faith in young Dutchman Daley Blind, Shaw may get the nod from day one.
With Nemanja Vidic now at Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand joining Harry Redknapp at QPR, there is a glaring lack of experience in the centre of defence. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are thought to be the future for Manchester United in that position, but neither has demonstrated the consistent form or fitness to make that a safe bet. At right-back, the erratic Rafael may not be the steady force that Van Gaal favours. Look for the 62-year-old to explore the transfer market for a central defender.
In midfield, there are similar concerns. While Michael Carrick still has plenty to offer and new signing Ander Herrera should make an instant impact, Van Gaal must decide what to do with Marouane Fellaini as well as the trio of Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Nani who have had plenty of chances in Manchester United shirts but have yet to fully convince. Antonio Valencia, who recently signed a new contract, and Shinji Kagawa are other options for Van Gaal, but much will depend on the formation that the Dutchman elects to use.
In Van Gaal, Manchester United have the right man to make these key decisions – an experienced manager with a ruthless streak. Reports have already surfaced suggesting that Fellaini is very much available to suitors, perhaps for just over half of the £27.5m fee that Moyes paid for the midfielder. It would come as no surprise if Van Gaal decides that Young and Nani are also surplus to requirements.
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will spearhead the Manchester United attack under Van Gaal, with Juan Mata also expected to play a key role. Rooney was first in line to take over the captain’s armband after Vidic’s departure but Van Persie skippers Van Gaal’s Dutch team – this represents another conundrum.
And where does that leave Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez? The Mexican has previously been linked with Juventus and Inter Milan and, if he cannot earn regular playing time under Van Gaal, it would make sense for him to push for a move. Look for Welbeck to stay at Old Trafford and feature mainly as a substitute.
Since Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, there will be inevitable challenges in enticing top talents to Old Trafford. But Van Gaal brings stability and credibility. That may be enough to convince the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Blind to link up with the man who is currently guiding them towards glory in Brazil.
For now, Van Gaal’s mind is firmly on World Cup matters but, before long, he will be stamping his mark on his Manchester United squad. Given the Dutchman’s managerial style and the need for more new faces at Old Trafford, a fascinating month lies ahead as the clock ticks towards the new Premier League season.
