Van Gallows

Out of the Champions League on the last minutes of matchday 6, dismissed from the League Cup on penalties and 4th place in the EPL. Not exactly a familiar position for the Red Devils to be in at Mid December. 

United fans have now adopted the point of view of many of the minnows of the EPL such as Crystal Palace or West Brom in the constant berating of their manager, and calls for a new leader after 23 years* of no complaint under the legend that is Sir Alex. The style of play, philosophy, interviews, tactical decisions and even transfer policy of the managers in the post-Fergie era, have come under harsh scrutiny from the United faithful.

 Although its not beyond anyone to sympathize with the 55,000 Old Trafford season ticket holders, who have paid a small fortune to guarantee they can see their team every week, and at the very least be entertained. It is of no surprise therefore, that with the consistent listless displays, the travelling and paying fans will begin to voice their displeasure.   

The question however remains, can a manager replicate or replace Fergie? Many fans were adamant that LVG was the man to bring United back from the lows experienced under Moyes. The same fans who were happy and overjoyed with his appointment, are now the most vocal in calling for the sack. No doubt unhappy at the displays week in week out from a team bereft of confidence, flair and a will to win, but at this point, what can be said to defend his position and his plans,when there seems to be overwhelming evidence that the board should give him the boot. 

I personally think it is important to look at what it means to replace Fergie, and remember his time at the club. Any fan who is calling for the sack of a manager who has guided the club back to champions league play (albeit getting knocked out of a seemingly easy group) and is currently sitting in 4th place in the league may need to reflect for a second on what expectations they have, and how these expectations came to be. So looking firstly at Fergie's Reign, then LVG's appointment, and his reasons to be sacked, followed by reasons to see out the season. 

Fergie's Reign

1. The first 4 seasons

The reign of the great Sir Alex is fondly remembered as probably the greatest reign of any manager for any club, period. With his overall trophy collection during his reign eclipsing most clubs total collection outright. But true fans, or fans with a little knowledge will remember that those 26+ years weren't all glitz and glamour. In fact, the first four seasons as manager, Fergie had only once finished in the top 10, and if not for that famous Mark Robins goal against Forest (and subsequent victory) in the FA Cup, he may well have been on his way out the door. "Three years of excuses.. Tara Fergie", a famous banner that was seen at many points during his fourth season still serves as a reminder of the dark point in his career, with a humbling 5-1 defeat to City and home loss to Crystal Palace in the same 4th season pushing fans to the their boiling point. Imagine if the United board did listen to the whining fans, and give Fergie the sack. What would have become of Manchester United? A club to have only ever won the English Top Division under 3 managers. Who else can replicate the standards put forward by the great Sir Alex? In contrast to the start of Fergie, LVG has come in and taken a team from 7th place, back up to Champions League qualification in one season, and thereabout at the halfway point in his second season.

2. The Bar being set Astronomically High

At the end of his 26 year reign, Fergie managed to lift United past rivals Liverpool in the Premier League trophy tally, and guide the club to numerous other accolades along the way. The fans during this period have become used to, the champagne popping, trophy laden end of a season that came with Fergie. Anything less than this is seen as not only unacceptable, but intolerable. This of course created an extremely high standard, that is not unjust or unwarranted, but is LVG really out of line to state that the clubs fans need to tone down their expectations? Can the fans really expect someone to fill in for Fergie, right after he has left?  Of course, some will call for examples such as Real Madrid post Del Bosque or Barcelona post Pep, but besides spending 200 million a transfer window on World Class players itching to play for them, and owning Lionel Messi respectively, are these clubs really the examples to use? Have they not dipped in form after such a manager has left the club?Which leads to the third point under the Fergie era;

3. The squad left behind
Sir Alex was one of a kind. He had a way of motivating, and providing opportunity for players to become something greater than they were destined to be. He could take an average midfielder or defender, and have them play seemingly world class week in week out. He was able to make a player fit into a Team, and never look out of place. United had built an aura. An unbeatable aura, a fear factor so to speak, which quickly disappeared under Moyes. The same aura which has seemingly disappeared from Chelsea. It is difficult for players and the team overall to compete when this has left them. 

Fergie left the club in a dire position. Winning the league by over 10 points in his final season yes, but with aging legs, alienated players, and a dying youth system. The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra, all seemed to be on their last legs during the early part of Moyes' tenure. Not to mention the purchase of raw but unpolished talent such as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, and a shell of a midfield. His youth program dealing no serious first team starters since the Fledglings, and the two brightest prospects from the youth system in decades, allowed to slip through his grasp (Pogba & Morrison). LVG has been quite active in giving youth their chance, albeit due to an injury crisis, but nonetheless we have for the first time in a long time, seen youth play such a part in a teams premier league campaign.

LVG Era

1. His Promise

Those who are even remotely in tune with any managerial position in any industry may have an idea of what a job description is, and how contracts these days are drawn up. Managers are often given objectives or criteria to meet in order to be properly assessed on their performance. Louis Van Gal, upon appointment made some very optimistic, yet needed goals in a 3 year plan of his tenure. These goals or objectives to be graded on were:

 - Guide the club back to Champions League football within one season.

 - Guide the club back to Premier League glory within three seasons.

 - Introduce young United players and integrate them into the first team squad.

 - Reduce the hefty wage bill and shift out dead wood that Fergie/Moyes persevered with.

 - Turn around United's woeful defense, into a considerable force.

 - Steady the ship so to speak, allowing the club to maintain the status as one of the powerhouses of        World football.

Care to dispute any of the above thus far?

 Every United fan heard of these stipulations & promises, from the day he signed on the dotted line. Knowing these items were on the agenda, everyone was pleased with the appointment of this new manager who was seen as a step up from David Moyes. An experienced manager, with many accolades to his name, after managing top clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern and Ajax as well as national team experience. How then has the opinion of these fans changed so drastically so quickly?

2. LVG way of football management 

The thorn in the side of any United fan, is basically the "boring" style of play that has now almost become the norm with Manchester United. 0-0 draws is now the odds on scoreline before any game pre whistle. Not the United way. In the Fergie era especially, United were known for their attacking drive, their "never say never" attitude, and their ability to bag goals at any point, but more often than not, in the dregs of a game. Being behind was never seen as a problem, and fans in Old Trafford or at home, would stay glued to the game until the final whistle. 

This however has seemed to have faded if not totally disappeared from the club philosophy and style of play. LVG has changed the way the club plays, and seemingly turned the club from an attacking, counter attacking based football club to a possession based club. His rigid rules, and philosophy taking its toll on the relationship with players and fans. Never before have the club seen such disputes with players and manager as they have under Van Gal. Or have they? It comes as a surprise to me to hear the discontent of United fans in the way LVG manages players, after coming out of the Fergie era. An era where Fergie not only fell out famously with numerous players and agents, but rarely ever backed down, and ultimately got rid of said players. Now fans are somewhat surprised, and sympathetic to the plight of Victor Valdez, a third string keeper who refuses to play for the reserves, and Javier Hernandez who was told he had no future of the club and rightly so. What fans must understand is that having the passion for the club does not deem you deserving of wearing the shirt, otherwise Falcao would still be at the club. Yes Chicha is bagging the goals for Bayer, as a starter, but given the same opportunity at United, it is highly unlikely he would have such returns, as we have seen before. It is a similar situation to Diego Forlan unfortunately. Could not perform as a consistent starter for United, but upon leaving the club, instantly becomes a top scorer in his new league and club. Its the way the game is. Lets move on. 

3. Results 

Putting the style of play aside, and going on the basis of results alone, I've been left scratching my head at the calls for the sack of LVG. There has been one heavy defeat all season, the 3-0 drubbing by Arsenal and only two other losses in the league to Swansea and Bournemouth both being by a 1 goal margin. 

In contrast, a 3-1 win over Liverpool, 0-0 draw with city, 1-0 win over Tottenham, 3-2 win over Southampton, 3-0 win over Everton are all results I as a fan, am proud of, regardless of boring or excitement lacking manner in which they were won. Fans have more than ever called for the sack after the 2-1 loss to Bournemouth, as if it is unheard of to lose to such opposition. As if the fans have forgotten results of the past 25 years, as if the club has never lost a game to a newly promoted team. And in this instance, United fielded a team of youngsters. A team where the average age of the defense was 21, due largely in part to injury. 

Perspective. 

United have lost 3 games in the EPL. They have conceded the least amount of goals thus far, yet are only 7th in the league in goals scored. The problem is apparent. Lack of attacking verve. Not for a lack of trying, but the finishing has not been on point. Fingers have been pointed to Wayne Rooney, Martial and even the midfield which has not contributed the numbers one would expect. 

Missing out on the knockout stages of the Champions League also saw the calls for lynching of Van Gal. A seemingly easy group on paper, caused all sorts of trouble for United, and in the last 15 minutes of the match-day, United's fate was sealed with a third place finish. The positives at least for me coming out of the final game against Wolfsburg, was the all too familiar attacking drive we were used to, the free flowing push up the field, the will to win, which unfortunately was not enough to secure promotion. A classic case of too little too late. 

But it seems that this is the first time in history, that United have failed to make it out the group stage, or so the fans would have you believe. The 94', 05' or 2011 exits at the same hurdle, all seemingly forgotten and forgiven. These previous failings, all against seemingly easy on paper opposition. Basel, Benfica and Otelul Galati??? Villareal, Benfica, Lille??? 

Conclusion

After rambling for over 3000 words, if you've reached this far, I apologize for the rant, and the apparent lack of structure to that article that was written in pace and in frustration. It is difficult to ascertain I'm sure, my stance on LVG, although my many points defending him may seem to outweigh the reasons for him to leave. 

At no point would I say that I am overjoyed, or happy at the way United are currently playing. I will not admit I am happy at the exit of the Champions League (although relieved, as a meeting against Barcelona/Madrid/Bayern/PSG could have set the club back ages) or happy with the standing in the league. But I will defend a process that is in place under his regime. A process that fell by the wayside under Moyes, and a structure that was built back by LVG. A rigid team structure, possession based football, a back-line that seems to keep a clean sheet more times than not and a team that follows instructions while incorporating youth into the fray. 

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The foundation has been laid. I personally am of the opinion that LVG should leave his position at the end of the season, but firmly believe that the calls for his head at this point are slightly unfair, if going on his promises, and the position of the club, taking into consideration all the injuries he is faced with at the current moment. 

I have personally seen the "New Fans" of the club, (fan boys from 06/07 to present) being the most vocal in calls for his removal, and restoration of the "United Brand" of football. Overcompensating no doubt for their inexperience and lack of history with the club, but damaging the club all the same. Calls for a manager's removal during a season, when the season is not in jeopardy, can only delve the club into such. 

It is for this reason I implore the fans of United to stop the whining for now. Three defeats in the league, honestly is no reason to plead for a managers removal. I can be proven wrong, and for all I know, may already be on his way before Christmas, but to me, let us see what he can do as players come back from injury, and we have an impending transfer window to maybe do some business. The way the other top teams are performing are an instant reminder that it is not as easy as it looks, but are giving us a lifeline to complete the season in the top 4. 

Hold the faith in the club for a little while longer, and upon his completion of the season, we can and will do business to bring in a manager who can build on the foundation set, and reinstate the attacking mentality that the club so craves.