5 Reasons to Believe Manchester United Are on Path to Top Under Louis van Gaal

Manchester United have begun 2015 in third place in the league and negotiated the third round of the FA Cup—Louis van Gaal certainly has a strong platform from which to build.

The mood among fans has been relatively positive, something which surprised United’s manager during his difficult start. He said, per BBC Sport:

"

I have never had the experience that when you lose or draw at home the fans are still applauding for you, showing their belief in you. Never.

"

Positive articles in fanzines and discussions on podcasts and fan-cams capture a sense that—though there are exceptions—United fans have a good deal of belief in Van Gaal.

Here are five reasons why United are on their way back to more familiar territory under the guidance of the Iron Tulip.

Van Gaal’s History

The Dutchman is a serial winner. There have been times in his career when things have not gone well, but generally, those reasons have not simply been to do with the football.

Political power struggles have sometimes got the better of him—such as at Bayern Munich, during his second spell at Barcelona and as director of football at Ajax—but more often than not, his management has brought success in its wake.

Improved Team Performances

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United’s first good performance this season came after the closure of the transfer window, as they blew Queens Park Rangers away at Old Trafford.

That was immediately followed by one of the best halves of attacking football in recent memory away to Leicester City, but the calamitous collapse which followed appeared to knock the team’s confidence.

The 3-0 victory over Hull City and the 3-1 win over Newcastle United, both at Old Trafford, showed signs that Van Gaal’s coaching was beginning to bear fruit, as United completed dominated possession and crafted fine goals.

It has not happened on the road yet, but at home, United have visibly improved under Van Gaal.

Improvements in Individual Form

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Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Robin van Persie and Marouane Fellaini have all looked better under the guidance of Van Gaal than they did last season.

Even players who had good seasons last time out have looked better. Wayne Rooney has looked more willing to take players on. David de Gea was United Player of the Year last season, but he has looked even better this time out, with his display against Liverpool particularly impressive.

Young and Fellaini especially suggest Van Gaal’s ability to get the best out of his players, which was evident with the Netherlands during the World Cup, will benefit United immensely in the months and years ahead.

Boldness in the Transfer Market

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The signs were there during David Moyes’ second transfer window. The expensive acquisition of Juan Mata could have been an anomaly, but it in fact turned out to be precursor to a much looser approach to United’s purse strings.

Investment in the transfer market is no guarantee of success, of course, but underinvestment is a significant impediment.

If United continue to add players of the calibre of Angel Di Maria to the squad, then Van Gaal’s trip back to the top will be a good deal shorter.

Relationship with the Fans

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Van Gaal has made clear his appreciation for the fans’ support, both in words and in gift-giving deeds.

Against Southampton, United’s away following struck up a chorus of "Louis van Gaal’s red army" that lasted for around 20 minutes. David Moyes also received vocal support from fans, but there is the sense there is more genuine patience being afforded to Van Gaal because his track record is worthy of it and improvements are visible. 

With the fans onside, the ability to add to his squad in the transfer market and his impact on individual players, there is plenty of cause to believe Van Gaal will take United back to the top.