6 Things Louis van Gaal Has Learned in 3 Months at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has said his prior assertion that he should be judged after three months as Manchester United manager was "stupid."

"It was very stupid to say three months because then the media are only talking about three months," he said, per BBC Sport.

Of course, the Dutchman is anything but stupid.

In deference to his suggestion that it was a mistake to suggest he would be ready to be judged after three months, let's instead look at what he might have learned in that time.

The Squad Needed an Overhaul

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It would be fascinating to know what would have happened in an alternate universe where Sir Alex Ferguson had one more season in charge before being replaced by Van Gaal. 

Would United's squad have been in such need of an overhaul if the same personnel had never worked with David Moyes? Of course, it is an unanswerable question. 

What is certain is that Van Gaal decided significant additions were needed following the pre-season tour, and that plenty of the existing squad were surplus to requirements. 

Presumably the overhaul is not yet complete, but dramatic changes have been made.

The Competition Is Fierce

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Chelsea's summer strengthening, Sergio Aguero's return to form and fitness and the unexpected success of Southampton are all, in their own ways, indicators of the level of competition facing Van Gaal. 

With Swansea City winning at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season, the new manager was left in no doubt as to the level of competitiveness of the Premier League.

Of course, this will not have come as a surprise to the Dutchman. However, after three months, he will be aware that returning United to a position where they dominate the league will be an enormous challenge. 

There Are Young Players Ready to Step Up

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The above photo is wonderfully symbolic of the Van Gaal era at United so far. It shows Radamel Falcao doing stretches with Paddy McNair ahead of the game against West Ham United in September.

Falcao represents the new and exciting top-level players signed under the new regime. McNair represents Van Gaal's willingness to genuinely trust in young players. It is almost unimaginable that either Moyes or latter-day Sir Alex would have gone with McNair ahead of someone like Darren Fletcher or Daley Blind in central defence that day. 

However, Van Gaal took the gamble and it paid off, as McNair played a vital role in United's win. With Tyler Blackett also featuring regularly for the first team, Van Gaal has been made aware that there are young players at United ready to make the step up. 

Wayne Rooney Is a Risky Choice as Captain

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Wayne Rooney's selection as captain made a good deal of political sense. The need to keep Rooney onside, given the new contract he signed last season, was one factor.

Also, there were few clear alternative choices. 

Robin van Persie captained Van Gaal's Netherlands side, but there was less need to reassure Van Persie of his place in the new manager's affections, given their previous relationship. 

However, Rooney's early run as captain has been mixed. Against Leicester, he was unable to assert any leadership during United's collapse, and then he got himself foolishly sent off against West Ham United.

Van Gaal will be hoping for better in the next three months. 

Ryan Giggs Is a Very Capable Coach

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A fan video, captured at a charity dinner tribute to Ryan Giggs in September (h/t The Telegraph), showed Van Gaal waxing lyrical about his assistant. 

He described Giggs' ability to convey the purpose of a training session effectively as "a miracle" and suggested the United legend would be a natural successor after Van Gaal's time in charge. 

It is clear that Van Gaal has valued Giggs' role in his first three months at the club. 

His Team Has Spirit

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Following the collapse against Leicester, United played West Ham.

When they went down to 10 men in that game, a repeat of the previous collapse seemed on the cards.

Instead, they ground out a win.

Against Everton, they again had to mount a backs-to-the-wall defence, which they did. The six points from those games were hard won.  

The manner of those victories speaks well of the team's spirit. There is a sense of togetherness, surprising given the number of new signings, but clear nonetheless. 

Van Gaal will hope that spirit helps guide the team back to glory in the months—and years—ahead.