Manchester United's History Shines a Spotlight on Their Current Difficulties

On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will rename the single-tier South Stand the "Sir Bobby Charlton Stand." Sir Bobby's name will take its well-deserved place opposite Sir Alex Ferguson's, with the Scot having the North Stand named in his honour before his retirement. 

Manager Louis van Gaal was asked about this at his pre-match press conference and replied, per the club's website, "He is on the board and is always backing me. He was my idol when I was young and, now I have met him personally, he is such a kind, friendly man. I am very proud that he should get such an honour and I am very pleased for him."

It is perhaps unfortunate that Van Gaal threw in a slightly self-serving opening remark, though it is illuminating that he should believe Sir Bobby is in his corner.

Bleacher Report's Tom Sunderland broke down some of the rumours around a boardroom split at Old Trafford back in January. If such a schism exists, as Jonathan Wilson suggested it did in a Sports Illustrated column at the beginning of March—then Van Gaal's words make it tempting to believe Sir Bobby leans towards keeping Van Gaal in situ. 

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Certainly, he has received public backing from another influential knight with a powerful United legacy and a stand named after him. Sir Alex told a Sky Sports interviewer, (h/t BBC Sport) "You have to have some patience being a Manchester United fan, and they have shown that over the years; in Matt Busby's time, in my time."

Of course, in both Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex's time, the patience shown was intent on allowing a long-term building project to take place. Van Gaal's contract is up at the end of next season anyway. Ending it one term early hardly represents a descent into irreversible short-termism.

And while the club's institutional collective unconscious may lean towards long-termism, the utterly dispiriting season that is ongoing under Van Gaal—albeit one with the occasional bright spot—means that many of those in attendance to witness the name change on Sunday will be hoping that its honouree is not too full-throated in defence of the current manager.

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That Sir Bobby will have a stand named after him is testament to a bygone age of success at Old Trafford. He was part of the last great era the club enjoyed before the arrival of Sir Alex. He was also instrumental in ensuring that Sir Alex was able to make his reign great.

At the time of his retirement, Ferguson said, per BBC Sport, "In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team."

If Van Gaal was 20 years younger, then Sir Bobby's support could potentially be invaluable. It could enable a manager to weather some early storms before building towards something.

He is not, though.

Van Gaal is approaching the end of his career, and giving him one more season at United might be in the club's traditions in terms of its intent to give managers a chance, but it violates the club's traditions in other areas.

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Van Gaal has brought static, staid and conservative football to Old Trafford. Sir Matt once told a teenage Charlton, per MailOnline, "All those lads you see going to the factory in Trafford Park, they come to watch you on Saturday. They have boring jobs, so you have to give them something they will enjoy."

Being brought up that way made Sir Bobby play a kind of football which is synonymous with the best of Manchester United. Being brought up that way ensured a life-long relationship with the club, which means he is well worthy of the honour of a stand in his name.

However, drawing attention to a more glorious past shines a light on the fact that the current United side is in the mire. They must not let their perceived traditions get in the way of action in the summer.