Manchester United have lost their fear factor, and the only thing scary about them now is how far they’ve fallen. This was a club that used to petrify their opponents, no matter the team put out by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. United’s 2-1 loss at home to Norwich City was met with little surprise. In fact, while also being hilarious for the neutral, the outcome had a sense of inevitability. Unsurprisingly, boss Louis van Gaal is now under searing pressure, with United winless in six matches.
Van Gaal’s position is not helped by the timing of this slump. It has come after Jose Mourinho’s departure at Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s announcement that he will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season. Two of the game’s best coaches are now either available or soon to be (Brendan Rodgers is also free, guys!), which would test even the most loyal of club hierarchies. Without question, Van Gaal needs a result. More important, he needs a performance at Stoke on Boxing Day.
United were considered title contenders earlier this season because they were grinding out wins. The displays were not good and often very boring, but at least they were triumphing or at least rarely losing. The hope was that this feeling of success would grow into a confidence for further expression, so that supporters could be thrilled. Alas, the victories have dried up and the performances have worsened. A previously solid foundation at the back has crumbled, leaving goalkeeper David De Gea exposed.
Injuries have not helped, of course, but Van Gaal has hardly aided the situation with his selections: Midfield anchor Morgan Schneiderlin was not used against Norwich, while Ander Herrera was not introduced until the final 30 minutes at Old Trafford. “Of course I am worried about it because belief in a manager is very important,” Van Gaal said after the defeat. “And when you lose as a manager that confidence decreases.”
The Dutchman hasn’t been David Moyes levels of bad, but it seems his and the team’s trajectory is now headed in the wrong direction, after the promise of their return to the Champions League — which they duly exited. The £250 million spent on the squad merits more than what supporters are witnessing, even if the side still needs investment. For too long, even under Ferguson, was the personnel not properly addressed. The only thing saving the club then was a genius in charge.
A positive 90 minutes at Stoke could prolong Van Gaal’s stay until the game against Chelsea on Dec. 28 when there will be no escaping the looming spectre of Mourinho even though it will be Guus Hiddink in the dugout. The Potters will be no pushovers, especially if they can find their shooting boots, unlike in their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace last time out. If Mark Hughes’ side do perform to what they are capable of, then we could be bidding farewell to Van Gaal, a man who arrived in England with a reputation he simply has not lived up to.
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