The inevitable has finally been confirmed and amidst reports already linking him to United,it didn't come as a surprise for the Old Trafford faithful's.
The beaming eyes, fearful demeanor of a manager will,once again torture the United players and may coerce them to get the best out of themselves. People did refer to Sir Alex as a "dictator" but quite ostensibly, Van Gaal is a bigger dictator than anybody.
The 62 year old so called "messiah" has enjoyed glory laden periods at the club's he has already managed,including the UEFA Champions League with Ajax. He has a reputation for playing a dominant style of football and moreover,being attractive in one's approach.
He is also credited for playing a huge part in grooming the once best players including Clarence Seedorf and Edgar Davids and in providing Bayern Munich an ultimate revitalization during their transition period.After all, he is the man who brought Thomas Muller , Bastian Schweinsteiger , Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben to the Bavarian club and as of current evidence,there is no reminding you of how many accolades they've gathered.
The Dutchman ,apart from being a dictator is also an indomitable and a feared speaker in front of the media. He is not even scared of blurting out in the media ,resembling Jose Mourinho strongly and just like United,Spurs,Arsenal,Liverpool and City fans loath the very look of Mourinho,rival fans would hate van Gaal as well.
As far as his tactics and philosophy is concerned ,the most prominent aspect is the shared onus which falls on the team.Almost all his players on the pitch are prescribed to play a particular role.He doesn't buy a big name signing just for the sake of it,but because it serves a particular purpose. While his counterparts prefer first buying a player and then fitting him into it,he prefers to buy players who fit into his formation.
He doesn't buy a striker only because he's touted to be a "star" but he first analyzes his qualities such as holding up, poaching and then considers a swoop for him.
And the word "counter attacking football" is not present in his dictionary ,unlike David Moyes' defensive minded mentality.He loves to preach a high pressing style of football even if it demands domination of possession. His team is accustomed to compelling the opposition in sticking to performing a " back to the walls" job by pinning them back by denying them any chances .
He mostly sticks to a 4-3-3 formation ,with two wingers ,who are mostly supposed to be quick,swift and agile. The instances include Frank Ribery , Arjen Robben and Luis Figo. By doing so,the team becomes keen to dominate possession higher up front by bringing in men towards the infield,resembling Bayern Munich.
But,with a side like United, I do find this formation tough to settle into the squad. It's quite inconceivable to see United dominate possession and press high and what is more indifferent to see would be imagining van Persie and Rooney together up front,with a false nine.
It won't be easy to preach a side as in decline as this how to take hold of around 60 percent of possession but only time will tell as to how,LVG stamps his authority over "his" side.
Source: DSG
