Louis Van Gaal Warns Chelsea in Epic Speech at Manchester United Awards Night

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal delivered a memorable speech at the club's award night, stealing the limelight with a passionate review of his first year in charge at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman spoke of the difficulties faced by United—who produced just 13 points in his first 10 Premier League games—before discussing how close he felt they were to eventually beating champions Chelsea. His comments on the Blues were reported by Mike Keegan of the Mail Online:

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'You remember the away game against Chelsea?' he said, before quieting his audience.

(Hushing the crowd) 'No, no, no, you have to listen. I ask you to listen. Six games in a row we win and then we go to Chelsea. Who are the better team then?! It's easy to say that now in this room. I can believe it but it was the truth but we lost. We lost that game but can you imagine when you have 80 percent ball possession you have 10 big possibilities and they have three, they have three and they win the game!'

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With a view to the future, Van Gaal noted: "What I want to say to you is we are very close!" He suggested the loss to Chelsea played a part in the following defeats to Everton and West Bromwich Albion, but that United will challenge the leaders closer in the future.

The manager entertained an enthralled audience and continued in a jovial manner throughout the night. At one point, he gave assistant manager Ryan Giggs a whack around the head for outbidding him on an auction to win a round of golf with former United striker Dwight Yorke, per Keegan. B/R UK tweeted this moment:

Van Gaal also returned to the stage to order onlookers to applaud a saxophonist who had played earlier in the night, a joke started by Giggs.

It was a humorous conclusion to a night which saw goalkeeper David De Gea—linked with a move to Real Madrid, as reported by Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star—win both the Players' Player and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. Juan Mata's second strike in the 2-1 win against Liverpool picked up the Goal of the Season prize.

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After such an entertaining speech, few were speaking about the award winners, however. Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discussed Van Gaal's moments on stage:

Keegan also tweeted about the manager:

United are 15 points behind Chelsea, having won just once in their last five matches following an incredible run which saw them beat Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City. Van Gaal has already confirmed the purchase of PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay, but he needs far more investment to get closer to Jose Mourinho's team.

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His rousing speech is a reminder of exactly what he's been brought in to achieve. The veteran boss has won titles in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands, but he seems extremely motivated to do the same in England.

He has proven himself single-minded, egotistical and commanding throughout the season, but after returning the club to the Champions League, United fans are likely glad to have such a forthright leader. After Tuesday night's antics, they may also be glad to see his human side.