The sad departure of Sir Alex Ferguson sparked a new beginning at Manchester United – both for the squad and fans.
But a dream fresh start was not achieved, not even close.
After less than a year, David Moyes was passed off as a failure of a manager unable to live up to the standards of Fergie.
Along comes Netherlands-born Louis Van Gaal. “A promising appointment” said club president Sir Bobby Charlton.
It’s blatantly obvious that no one can replace Sir Alex, a manager who has won over 49 trophies for the club has gone down as one of the greatest managers in sporting history. Yet when Van Gaal took charge in 2014 there were promising grins on United supporters’ faces.
However, as we approach the final game of the 2015-16 season, United sit fifth, on 63 points, their most recent result a 3-2 loss to West Ham at the Hammers’ final game at Upton Park.
Two points behind rivals Manchester City, United’s UEFA Champions League hopes are unlikely to be achieved.
LVG has copped massive criticism this season, with his tactics being called boring, pointless and hopeless. The Red Devils have gained a reputation for playing boring football, with no aim of scoring and being focussed on possession only.
Worse has been results against teams such as Spurs (losing 3-0), West Brom (1-0), Sunderland (2-1) and Southampton (1-0).
Although, on the other hand, LVG has pulled off some stunning victories, such as the 3-2 win against Arsenal, and the 1-0 win in the Manchester Derby.
Should LVG be sacked after this season if United fail to make the Champions League?
Are United supporters’ standards and expectations too high as a result of Sir Alex? Is LVG the right fit for United, and just needs more time to gel and secure a spot in the top four?
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Albo, thanks for the comment! You seem to know your stuff! Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Vas, thanks for the comment! Great point. Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Fadida, thanks for the comment! Your opinion is appreciated, Klopp seems to have talent! Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Fadida, thanks for the comment! Your opinion is appreciated! Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Ben, thanks for the comment! Leicester sure have changed up the League! Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Stephen, thanks for the comment! Your opinion is appreciated! Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Vas, thanks for the comment! Good analysis of the managerial dilemma at United. Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Fussball, thanks for the comment! Some nice stats in there, let's see what turns out. Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Kaks, thanks for the comment! Comparing the two managers seems a reasonable way to see the difference in managers. Nice! Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Rick, thanks for the comment! You make a good point! LVG doesn't seem to gel quite right amongst the club. Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Ian, thanks for the comment! You make a good point! Jose has a good managerial record. Thanks again.
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Sam McCosker
Roar Pro
Hi Collin, thanks for the comment! I've realised this mistake and had it fixed. Cheers for the note.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Klopp hasnt spent a dime, LVG has spent over 200million pounds. Klopp inherited this team, LVG has had over a season to build his. Klopp has got them into a European final, LVG has gotten his team into a domestic cup final That's the difference.
Fadida
Guest
Agree totally. If anything Giggs seems to think he is entitled, by virtue of having played a lot of games- but nothing else. Jose has won a dozen titles but somehow Giggs (zero experience) is deemed a better candidate
Fadida
Guest
You must be English. "Knowing the club", " passion" and all the Little Englander talk are completely irrelevant. Tim Sherwood had all of that,. How did Spurs go? Shearer at Newcastle? There are no English/ British managers in the top half of the table - because they are generally rubbish and preach passion over tactics. What on earth has Giggs done to warrant getting the job? By your criteria they may as well give it to Wor Bobby Charlton. Oh, and Lingard is a mile from the required quality. Eric Cantona, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Van Njstelrooy, Schmeichel, De Gea. Great players and none were English. Moyes was British - rubbish. Its poor player and management recruiting that is the issue, not where they came from. I agree that I've never been more bored in my 30+ years of watching United though
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
This needs to go right to the top. What style of football do the BOD what United to play going forward? They must base this decision on what will give them a competitive advantage in a capitalistic competition. Attacking football has always brought United the most success, both on and off-field. LVG does not meet this criteria, nor Mourinho.
WPMUFC
Guest
Give the managerial position to a man that has achieved nothing as a manager/coach, whose been tutored by two managerial failures, whose has been a culpable part for this LVG disaster and according to rumors, doesn't even want to try and go build his coaching skills yet would rather get SAF and Charlton to fight his backroom battle to be appointed a manager. Giggs should leave. He needs to go prove himself. Why should he just be given the position?
Fussball IUL
Roar Rookie
I don't know if he's interested, but I'd be happy to see a guy like Jorge Sampaoli create the football style at ManUnited that he did at Chile.