United under LvG: verdict so far!

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So long as we're in the running for top four I'll support him. When we achieve top four, he will have done his job.

Anything else is a bonus, for this season.

Next season, playing style and everything else will be more on my mind.

I couldn't care less how ugly the play is at the minute quite frankly.
 
Today he was absolutely hilarious. By all means play all your strikers at home against bottom of the league Leicester, but why did he think this would work against a top 8 side?

Why does he put the team at a disadvantage on purpose? RVP and Falcao playing together is utterly pointless, they make the same runs and both can't seem to finish to save their lives this season, and then he keeps putting one of our highest ever goal scorers Rooney in midfield ffs.

Hopefully he can keep us in the top3/4 but I don't think we will ever win the league under LVG.
 
He was sold to me as a genius of continental football, a man unafraid to go against the grain to get top production from his players, a master of strategy and motivation.

In actual fact he has turned out to be practical and self-serving in the extreme. Content to play for a point and aim squarely for fourth place and save his own job. Mocked by Sam fecking Allardyce. Unable to set up an effective formation from a talented squad. Bossed by "lesser" managers with "lesser" players. We are staring down a challenging run-in to cling to fourth place and our manager's lack of ability to adapt, both in-game and long-term, a most alarming problem.
 
KeninDC said:
My main gripe now is that the basic job of any manager in anything is to put people into positions that play to their strengths to maximize their likelihood of succeeding.

LVG-by playing people out of position isn't doing that.
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I agree. Why play Rooney and Januzaj in CM when he can play Fellaini and Herrera there? Such decisions baffles me. If I was the manager I'll go for 4-3-3. Herrera-Fellaini-Blind in CM, Valencia and Di Maria on the flanks and Rooney upfront. Let the movement of the ball and workrate do the talking.
 
Minimalist said:
So long as we're in the running for top four I'll support him. When we achieve top four, he will have done his job.

Anything else is a bonus, for this season.

Next season, playing style and everything else will be more on my mind.

I couldn't care less how ugly the play is at the minute quite frankly.
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i do , i watch football for entertainment so for me this is boring. as a player (other than herrera) i'd be happy because i may be playing in the CL next yr.
 
Americano said:
He was sold to me as a genius of continental football, a man unafraid to go against the grain to get top production from his players, a master of strategy and motivation.

In actual fact he has turned out to be practical and self-serving in the extreme. Content to play for a point and aim squarely for fourth place and save his own job. Mocked by Sam fecking Allardyce. Unable to set up an effective formation from a talented squad. Bossed by "lesser" managers with "lesser" players. We are staring down a challenging run-in to cling to fourth place and our manager's lack of ability to adapt, both in-game and long-term, a most alarming problem.
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You think LVG gives a toss?!
 
Minimalist said:
So long as we're in the running for top four I'll support him. When we achieve top four, he will have done his job.

Anything else is a bonus, for this season.

Next season, playing style and everything else will be more on my mind.

I couldn't care less how ugly the play is at the minute quite frankly.
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I'm with you on this. This year it's been painful more often than fun to watch the team. And, after today's performance it helps to step back and have some perspective.

Doesn't mean I'm happy with every decision, and some of his tactics/team selection appear to be just plain kooky.

We sit 4th, so still well within reach of this season's main goal. But, TBH, I was expecting a more cohesive team structure by now.
 
My opinion is that when the team performances were better in September than in February is an indictment on the manager. The changes Van Gaal should make are very, very simple: play players at their natural positions and drop one of RVP, Falcao, or Rooney. (Possible 2 of the 3. ) In my opinion our best should be the following:
Gk-De Gea
Rb-Rafael Rcb-Smalling/Jones Lcb-Rojo Lb-Shaw
Diamond Pivot-Blind/Carrick
Inside right-Herrera Inside left-Di Maria
#10 Mata/Januzaj
9.5 Rooney/RVP 9.5 Falcao/Wilson

What I saw from today's formation is that we had 4 positions in which we had 4 different players playing out of position. Valencia, a winger who has been below Manchester United's standards for 3 seasons, now starting at right back. Rooney, a forward playing as an inside right, which he totally lacks the stamina and positional sense to play at. Di maria, one of the best wingers or inside lefts, playing as a forward or #10. The essential strength of Angel's game is attacking players in space on the dribble with pace and his final delivery. Januzaj a #10 or winger who at this point in his career lacks the positional sense or defensive ability to be an effective inside left. Play his as a #10 or as a winger for optimal results.

My conclusion from Van Gaal's team selection today is that unfortunately he believes today's lineup is our best xi. One of the most depressing things for me is that this most likely means Rafael's career at United is done. The lads commitment, attitude, and all-action style has made him one of my favorite players.
 
You know things are shit when Sam Allardyce (out of all people) brand your team as a 'long ball side'.
 
tom porter said:
My opinion is that when the team performances were better in September than in February is an indictment on the manager. The changes Van Gaal should make are very, very simple: play players at their natural positions and drop one of RVP, Falcao, or Rooney. (Possible 2 of the 3. ) In my opinion our best should be the following:
Gk-De Gea
Rb-Rafael Rcb-Smalling/Jones Lcb-Rojo Lb-Shaw
Diamond Pivot-Blind/Carrick
Inside right-Herrera Inside left-Di Maria
#10 Mata/Januzaj
9.5 Rooney/RVP 9.5 Falcao/Wilson

What I saw from today's formation is that we had 4 positions in which we had 4 different players playing out of position. Valencia, a winger who has been below Manchester United's standards for 3 seasons, now starting at right back. Rooney, a forward playing as an inside right, which he totally lacks the stamina and positional sense to play at. Di maria, one of the best wingers or inside lefts, playing as a forward or #10. The essential strength of Angel's game is attacking players in space on the dribble with pace and his final delivery. Januzaj a #10 or winger who at this point in his career lacks the positional sense or defensive ability to be an effective inside left. Play his as a #10 or as a winger for optimal results.

My conclusion from Van Gaal's team selection today is that unfortunately he believes today's lineup is our best xi. One of the most depressing things for me is that this most likely means Rafael's career at United is done. The lads commitment, attitude, and all-action style has made him one of my favorite players.
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Good post but rafael's terrible injury record means his days here are done. It's too bad as he is one of the best RB's in the league when he is healthy but he isn't healthy too often these days.
 
ravi2 said:
Good post but rafael's terrible injury record means his days here are done. It's too bad as he is one of the best RB's in the league when he is healthy but he isn't healthy too often these days.
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Totally agree. Thing is he's healthy right now though and can't even make the bench. If lvg wasn't so stubborn he'd put rafael on the bench as he could cover both fullback positions if need be.
 
Americano said:
He was sold to me as a genius of continental football, a man unafraid to go against the grain to get top production from his players, a master of strategy and motivation.
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I've wrote it in a different thread, but I'll repeat: I'm not sure who this man is, but it doesn't seem to be Louis Van Gaal. He looks like him, sounds like him, but operated differently from that man.
 
Needs to show more of the tactical nous he's known for. This two striker thing hasn't worked (performance wise) for the majority of the season. Rooney has made minimal impact from open-play in a midfield role in 2015. It surprises me that he hasn't acted already and shaken things up. I like that maybe he's trying to get some consistency in team selection now everyone is fit, but I don't understand the selection.

Not given up on him completely, but I said in the summer that I expect him to build a decent core for the next manager who will then take it to the next level. If he gets us back into the Champions League, challenging for the cups and maybe staking a claim for the title over the next couple of years, I wouldn't be overly disappointed - particularly if we're closer to being debt-free and we have a decent group of players.

Unless he goes absolutely ape-shit and wins the treble next season, I can't say I'm expecting a long-term career at United for van Gaal but as I keep saying, here's to hoping he can do what he appears to have done elsewhere and build for the future - even if it means he doesn't see it through.
 
When Mourinho has been behind with not long to go he also is not shy to use the long ball, it is actually an effective strategy because in that moment the opposition want only to defend and greatly reduce the space for their opposition to operate in, by putting a target man in the box and getting balls to him it can increase the chance of them making errors.

Chelsea are excellent at it, they will be patient and composed, not just launch ball after ball becoming predictable but carry the ball, get into a good position and then put that ball in with the intention of putting a quality ball into that target man from a quality position and then players will look to get the knock down.
 
Amir said:
I've wrote it in a different thread, but I'll repeat: I'm not sure who this man is, but it doesn't seem to be Louis Van Gaal. He looks like him, sounds like him, but operated differently from that man.
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Maybe we got him at the wrong age, that's the fear
 
Minimalist said:
So long as we're in the running for top four I'll support him. When we achieve top four, he will have done his job.

Anything else is a bonus, for this season.

Next season, playing style and everything else will be more on my mind.

I couldn't care less how ugly the play is at the minute quite frankly.
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Sums up my thoughts.
 
I am losing faith but part of me thinks we are just one great performance from turning the corner. Or maybe thats just optimism....
 
devilish said:
I agree. Why play Rooney and Januzaj in CM when he can play Fellaini and Herrera there? Such decisions baffles me. If I was the manager I'll go for 4-3-3. Herrera-Fellaini-Blind in CM, Valencia and Di Maria on the flanks and Rooney upfront. Let the movement of the ball and workrate do the talking.
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I like that. No matter how much talent a squad has, they still have to roll up their sleeves and work as hard as they can. No opposition is going lay down and let you play. What they need is to up their work rate and make it as difficult for their opponents as their opponents are making it for them.
 
At least he has done what Moyes was only talking about with only one lose in the last 17 matches we are making it hard for them.
 
Oneunited26 said:
Maybe we got him at the wrong age, that's the fear
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Yeah, it's possible. Even Ferguson's age got to him, but he was so good that even a lesser Fergie was still very good. We need something fresh, different. Van Gaal has shown previously he can be that man, but he hasn't arrived. Maybe he's gone, I don't know.
 
I'm with him as long as we are secure a CL position this season.

Like everyone I'm concerned at how tumescent the football is, especially considering how good it appeared to be during pre-season. Then again, I'm treating this season largely as a transitional season.

However if we are in the same position next season, playing the same tumescent football, then it might be time to start thinking about options besides LvG. To be honest, I'm still quite conflicted about this - after all it took Fergie 4 seasons to land his first title. LvG's rebuilding job is much less severe than Sir Alex's, but he has the achievements to back up the idea of giving him time.
 
Red Comet said:
I'm with him as long as we are secure a CL position this season.

Like everyone I'm concerned at how tumescent the football is, especially considering how good it appeared to be during pre-season. Then again, I'm treating this season largely as a transitional season.

However if we are in the same position next season, playing the same tumescent football, then it might be time to start thinking about options besides LvG. To be honest, I'm still quite conflicted about this - after all it took Fergie 4 seasons to land his first title. LvG's rebuilding job is much less severe than Sir Alex's, but he has the achievements to back up the idea of giving him time.
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I would concur with that if I could see what his grand plan is, but I can't. I don't have the foggiest idea what he's trying to achieve with his insistence on playing people out of position and having the game played at a funereal pace. Sticking with two strikers who, quite apart from not scoring, clearly don't fit together in any way.

And I'm totally, utterly and completely fed up of watching the ball being continuously shuttled from the opponents' half back to De Gea. To me it betrays a team who have absolutely no confidence in what they're being asked to do, how they're being told to play.

Transition season it may be, but can anyone honestly say there's been any improvement since day 1? I'd really love to know the thoughts of SAF, Sir Bobby etc etc.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
How many draws though? Against a team that's usually propping up the table. We've had plenty of tough games at that ground. It is absolutely one of our bogey fixtures.
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People are quite obviously more frustrated with the bizarre team selections and the shite performance than the actual result.
 
akash02 said:
People are quite obviously more frustrated with the bizarre team selections and the shite performance than the actual result.
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True. We feel Manchester United should be about more than scraping draws against average teams. It's just so frustrating and unnecessary. There just seems to be so much wrong with what Van Gaal is doing.
 
akash02 said:
People are quite obviously more frustrated with the bizarre team selections and the shite performance than the actual result.
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The point I'm making is that performance wasn't as shite as people make out. Not compared to previous performances at the same ground.

The team selection stuff is done to death. Bored of it now. Everyone thinks he's getting a lot wrong when he's picking his team. Let's see if he's vindicated by results.
 
Garethw said:
Moyes had the excuse of being inexperienced at managing a top top club (sorry Everyon but it's true), what excuse has LVG got?

If we miss out on a CL spot then it will most certainly be because of this idiots stupid selections and negative fecking tactics.
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with what's gone on in the PL this season, this squad should have been in 2nd by now. We're more than capable.
 
At least this season, the players cannot be blamed. It seems they are giving their all out there but are being held back by stupid tactics
 
I have to say, if Moyes had been in charge of that game last season - I'd have properly hit the roof (Only one substitution before the 90th minute in a game you're a) losing and b) not playing well in? Maddening) ... I still have a lot of time and patience for LVG, but it is all based on prior reputation and not really based on all that much from this season.
 
PlayerOne said:
I don't get LVG to be honest, how can he be so blind to things? The whole world can see Rooney can't play in midfield, yet he does it every week for 90 mins. His in-game management is even worse.
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As opposed to Moyes' in-game management which was basically Dannyyyy....Dannyyyyyyyy Welbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeck.
 
Too many bafffling decisions and to constantly play players out of position, do shitty experiments and playing a formation that just isnt working is the reason why it's not working. I dont see any progress at all, our movement and passing is as poor as ever and you can see the players have no clue what to do anymore either. Play a system that works (not 2 strikers unless it's a poor team or we play at home), play players in their best positions and who are in form
 
Allardyce has got more front than Blackpool, all West Ham did all day was take fouls in crossing positions and launch it into the box, the goal although a great finish was scored from about the 100th set piece if my drunken state remembers it right.
We did what we had to do to get a result yesterday but I am with the opinion that we should be playing players in their favoured positions in order to get the most from them.
Couldn't understand the substitutions either, leaving Falcao out there on what was clearly an off day was bordering on cruel.
 
Where's the progress? Thought we were heading in the right direction at the start of the season but we have been atrocious for a while now. I don't think we will get top 4, which is mad considering our squad, thought we would walk it tbh. and if we do it will be because of other teams fecking up more than us. LvG been a bit rubbish after a promising start. For me the biggest disappointment is yet again another season of dire football, which has been going on for probably half a decade now.
 
I also have to say that it is very disappointing that the best he can come up with when we need a goal is put Fellaini upfront and hoof it to him
 
noodlehair said:
You know the bullshitter at work who always talks like he's some kind of genius, and then one day you have a need to look through some work he's done and it becomes apparent he's a complete fecking idiot who doesn't know how to do his job? ...that's Van Gaal.
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My name is van Gaal
 


More long balls besides anyone but Burnley. Not what I expected when Louis Van Gaal was appointed...
 
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