United are halfway through Van Gaal’s debut season as manager and a nine-match unbeaten run has helped them rise to third in the Premier League table
Browsing: Louis van Gaal
United could only manage a draw despite the one man advantage in the away game
Following a poor start to the campaign, Louis van Gaal’s men have found their stride in recent weeks, picking up a 3-0 victory over fierce rivals, Liverpool, at Old Trafford last time out
It was the first time United have lost on the opening day of the season since the 1972/73 season
In contrast to the wide open, raucous display that the other semi-final produced, the Argentina against Netherlands Wednesday match was an even contest and a frequently dull one as the game became increasing bogged down in a midfield battle
In another stroke of tactical genius at this year’s World Cup, Netherlands Coach, Louis van Gaal, pulled Jasper Cillessen moments after the Ajax goalkeeper had saved a shot from Marcos Urena in extra time
Whilst Chelsea ultimately failed to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title in the final weeks of the season and were eliminated by Atletico Madrid at the semi-final stage of the Champions League, there has been no indication that the Blues will seek to sack Mourinho this summe
Expectations are high at Old Trafford for the upcoming season and this will start with van Gaal’s ability to attract new legs
Ryan Giggs is to be Van Gaal’s No2 but he has retired from playing after a glittering career spanning 23 seasons
• Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt have been left in the dark about their futures on the backroom staff
Van Gaal emerged as United’s preferred choice shortly after David Moyes was sacked but the club asked Ryan Giggs to take temporary charge until the end of the season while they concluded a deal with the Dutchman, who has vast experience of coaching at the top level
The 62-year-old’s comments are the first time he has spoken of the prospect of becoming David Moyes’s successor at Old Trafford, a position he is expected to be confirmed in next week
He also possesses the emotional intelligence and, importantly, humour necessary to connect with today’s super-rich young footballers
The Dutchman, whose contract with his country expires after the tournament in Brazil, had spoken directly with the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, after the dismissal of André Villas-Boas in December but had made clear his intention to lead the national team to the finals in South America. Levy subsequently firmed up Tim Sherwood’s position, the caretaker having made it clear he would not work on an interim basis before signing his own 18-month contract at White Hart Lane