Why Louis van Gaal's Ruthless Streak Could Define Manchester United's Season

Louis van Gaal conducted two Manchester United press conferences back-to-back on Wednesday, and each had glimpses of insight into his managerial processes and what they could mean for the season ahead.

The first was an unveiling for three players: Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin. That passed without too much incident. Schweinsteiger was effortlessly charming. Schneiderlin said all the right things about United. Darmian struggled with his English, but Van Gaal was full of praise for his defensive abilities and "orientation."

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

That came when Van Gaal was asked what he saw in Darmian that he did not see in Rafael, a player who does not seem to be in his manager's plans. That was the one telling moment of the first event, as Van Gaal outlined his requirements in a full-back.

Subsequently the players left, there was a quick change of backdrop—from United's standard sponsor-bedecked black to a specific "Tour 2015" sponsor-bedecked red—and Van Gaal began the pre-match, tour-specific version.

It was quite a show. There was talk of letting Robin van Persie know he would be moved on at the end of last season, but he would not elaborate on why he made the decision. A question about Paddy McNair followed.

Then came a change in atmosphere, as a question was asked about Victor Valdes' exclusion from the tour. "He is not selected because he don't follow my, or our, philosophy. And, there is no place for not one player," came the reply.

It was a direct and blunt answer. More followed, and frankly, it was quite a shock to the system. Watching a manager speak bluntly about his frustrations and disappointments with one of his players and airing behind-the-scenes disputes in public is not something United fans have been used to.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

However, it is clearly Van Gaal's way. He has taken an honest approach to press conferences from the start. There are questions he chooses not to answer, but when he does give answers they rarely seem to be spin. He has been very honest about injuries, about transfer targets and now about a falling-out with a player.

His message in this case was a very clear my way or the highway.

Ruthlessness in a manager is a double-edged sword. If players buy into his approach, his ruthlessness will strengthen the unit. If they do not, then knowing he is prepared to turn on them in public, will players give their all for their manager?

Watching social media reactions to Van Gaal's statement and Valdes' subsequent response has been interesting:

"

.....? #respect pic.twitter.com/LSnwz1HfDB

— Victor Valdes (@1victorvaldes) July 16, 2015"

There are those who believe what happens in private should stay that way, as it would have done—for the most part—under Sir Alex Ferguson. Then there are those espousing the view that the manager's actions will ensure players know where they stand and that no quarter will be given should they step out of line.

As is so often the case, there is some validity on both sides of the argument. On the one hand, doing things Ferguson's way ensures a public siege mentality. On the other hand, Van Gaal could not have made his expectations for his players clearer, something that should lead to a united approach.

What is inarguable, though, is that Van Gaal's ruthless streak will have, and already has had, a defining impact on United. Van Persie, in spite of his long history with the manager, has been sold. Valdes' position is now surely untenable. It is hard not to imagine more lies ahead.

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

He is, and has always been, a manager unafraid to make big decisions, and those decisions will shape United's short-term destiny.

He has now begun to stamp his authority on the atmosphere around the club. Pre-season has been built, to an extent, around his requirements for the team's preparation. He has significantly reshaped the squad, having brought in a total of 11 players now, albeit Radamel Falcao has already left and Valdes is presumably out of the door.

Last season was about transition and recovery. The season ahead has to be about progress. Whether Van Gaal's bullish stance pays off will only be evident if success arrives.

What is for certain, though, is that Manchester United are now most definitely a Louis van Gaal side, with all that entails, both on and off the pitch.

All quotes from the press conference available here.