Manchester United's Resurgence Is Due to Pragmatism and a Slice of Luck

Manchester United’s win over their crosstown rivals on Sunday served to underline the third radical transformation the team’s form has undergone in less than one season under Louis van Gaal. From playing poorly and losing, to playing relatively poorly yet winning and finally to playing extremely well and getting the results to match, the derby win was the culmination of a major turnaround.

Much of the uptick in form is due to Van Gaal finally landing on a formation that has brought the best from their considerable pool of talent. The side have been set up in a 4-1-4-1 shape with Michael Carrick in a holding position and Wayne Rooney—who had been deployed in midfield earlier in the season—as striker. When attacking, Marouane Fellaini has operated as a second striker and target man.

However, by far the biggest factor in United’s huge improvement in recent times has been Van Gaal taking a pragmatic approach to his team selections, as well as a touch of inadvertent luck. Three key personnel changes have been critical in allowing Van Gaal’s new formation to take shape.

Radamel Falcao has played just over 100 minutes of Premier League football since his weak showing against Preston North End in the FA Cup in February. Having been one of Van Gaal’s marquee signings—albeit on loan—he was no doubt afforded some leniency, but his performances simply haven’t been of a high enough standard for a team of United’s ambitions. They've been a considerably improved outfit without his presence.

Van Gaal also certainly had a vested interest in Robin van Persie due to their history with the Netherlands national team. Like Falcao, Van Persie has been far below the standards he has set himself over the course of his career. An ankle injury has kept him out since February and forced the manager’s hand. His response has been to put Rooney back in up front, which has paid dividends.

Finally, the emergence of Ander Herrera has coincided with Angel Di Maria taking a step back from the first-team picture. Even more so than Falcao, Di Maria’s presence in the team was seemingly dictated by his English-record transfer fee as his form. He has played just 64 minutes of league football since United’s win over Newcastle United at the start of March, partly due to a suspension.

In lieu of their £59 million man, Van Gaal has turned to two Spaniards, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera, for the team's creativity. They’ve been more than equal to the task.

While the point can be persuasively made that David Moyes was perhaps treated somewhat unfairly at Old Trafford, United’s resurgence has stemmed from Van Gaal’s experience of managing huge teams and his forceful personality, two things that his predecessor arguably lacked.

Dropping Falcao and Di Maria were bold, headstrong moves that only a manager with the utmost confidence in himself and his ability to keep a dressing room in check would make.