Manchester United: A Half-Term Report on Louis Van Gaal's Side
Louis van Gaal would never admit it, but he will be quietly satisfied with his first six months as Manchester United manager. At least, he should be.
This time last year, United were about to embark on a run of four defeats in five games. Fast-forward 12 months and there's tentative talk of a title challenge.
United ended 2014 with nine unbeaten games. They stretched it to 10 with a draw at Stoke on New Year's Day.
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It's prompted some fans to re-think their expectations for the season. In the summer, a top-four finish was deemed satisfactory. Now, there's hope of a late charge to topple Manchester City and Chelsea at the top. There's also a realistic chance of an FA Cup run, maybe even an opportunity to win it for the first time since 2004.
Last January, the mood around Old Trafford was becoming toxic. This year, there's at least genuine hope United are heading in the right direction. Van Gaal would have settled for that when he was appointed as David Moyes' successor in the summer.
Not that he would care to admit it. He has made no secret of the fact that he is in pursuit of "perfection." The perfect team, the perfect season, the perfect performance, even the perfect goal. It's a drive that has won him championships in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, and took him to the brink of a World Cup final with a sub-standard Netherlands team.
Sitting third in the Premier League table is progress after United finished seventh last season. But Van Gaal cares little for what Moyes did. His aim is to be first—to be perfect. And when that's the benchmark, third isn't good enough.
He is, though, conscious that change takes time. In only a few short months he's dismantled the squad, getting rid of regulars such as Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa and Javier Hernandez and signing six new players.
He's not finished yet. And if the January transfer window doesn't see more players leave and arrive, then the summer certainly will. Considering the amount of changes and the crippling injury list Van Gaal has had to deal with, his first six months can only be classed as a success.
Sat in the team hotel in Washington, D.C. in July, Van Gaal said that he had inherited a team that was "broken." Fixing United's smashed confidence has been the Dutchman's biggest accomplishment. Games that would have been lost last season are now being won or drawn.
Van Gaal isn't a screamer or shouter, at least not on the touchline. But he has instilled a belief in his players that has won him as many points as any of his expensive summer signings.
Halfway through his first season, Van Gaal has reason to be proud of what he has already achieved. He has started to build a squad he thinks is capable of winning the Champions League. And more importantly, United look likely to qualify for it next season.
He has brought in exciting signings such as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, as well as improving players such as Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. He seems now to be getting the best out of Juan Mata and Robin van Persie, while giving opportunities to young players like James Wilson, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair.
Van Gaal has asked for time to get United back to where they were under Sir Alex Ferguson. His aura, self-confidence and blossoming relationship with the fans will ensure he gets it.
For now, though, he can be quietly content with what he has done during his first six months at Old Trafford. Not that he would ever admit it.
Quotes obtained first-hand.
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