The philosophy is failing.
Things have gotten so predictable at Old Trafford that I’m sure some Manchester United fans don’t even bother showing up for the first-half of their home matches. To be fair, they’re not really missing much because the team have only netted twice in the first 45 mins at home in all competitions this season.
That’s 12 matches in front of their own faithful without scoring in the first 45 minutes and even Louis Van Gaal has admitted that things aren’t good enough.
Former players Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand have been very outspoken about the Dutchman’s style and LVG agrees with their criticisms. He said: “There are matches I have enjoyed very much. There are also matches where I’m very bored or angry because we are not disorganising our opponent’s defence. But that is football. It’s not every match that every club is playing fantastically — football that attracts the people.”
Things came to a head on Saturday when Manchester United’s own fans sarcastically applauded Memphis Depay’s shot on goal which was another clear indication that United’s fans are not happy with the football on display.
On that ominous note, Van Gaal might not want to hear about a report that Corriere dello Sport had this morning because the Italian newspaper have claimed that LVG wasn’t even Manchester United’s first choice to replace David Moyes.
Speaking with agent Vincenzo Morabito, he states that Old Trafford officials contacted him about the availability of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone after David Moyes left.
“I called Natalia, his (Simeone’s) agent and sister, to organise a meeting in Madrid. When we arrived, Natalia greeted us in a hotel. Simeone wasn’t present as he had the return leg of the Champions League semi-final and was still trying to win La Liga. He didn’t want any further speculation. United made an offer, which required a response within 10 days. Diego said no.” he says.
Would Manchester United be prepared to go back in for the Argentinian coach if Van Gaal was dismissed?
