Kurt Zouma no doubt stole the show with his man-of-the-match performance in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over the monstrous Manchester United, but the real story was off the pitch.
What story? The creation of one of the greatest manager rivalries in recent years – the mammoth presence of Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho and Manchester United’s Louis Van Gaal.
Sir Alex Ferguson was the last manager with the ability to rival the incredible Mourinho, but since his retirement none other has come close. However, Van Gaal – who also helped the Netherlands national team to a great run in the FIFA World Cup – may be mounting the throne.
While Jose Mourinho was doing what he does best by guiding Chelsea FC to a title win this season, Manchester United manager van Gaal has secretly and gradually been transforming and shaping the new era of the great Manchester United – and he has done so with incredible ease.
Bringing in players like Di Maria, Juan Mata and Falcao were only a few of the steps completed by the Dutch manager. When you look back on the old team right up until now you can notice that everything has changed, not just the squad.
Prior to van Gaal, Manchester were a strong, short-passing and possession-orientated team. Now they have been transformed into a long-passing, constant goal creating team – a team who are looking more deadly than ever.
Van Gaal has now made it possible for Manchester United to again go for the title next year and do something unquestionably fantastic – challenge Jose Mourinho for first place.
We should be in for a very intense English Premier League season next year.
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