King Louis Van Gaal's Reign Over Manchester United

King Louis I

  In the beginning, Sir Alex Ferguson created a dynasty in the Red Kingdom of Manchester that was feared by many and revered by most!  For 27 years he reigned over a glorious empire filled with epic battles, superstar athletes, an untouchable record and most importantly 38 trophies delivered back to the Red Kingdom of Manchester!  Sir Alex Ferguson was the King of Manchester, with his accomplishments so great that they earned him knighthood from the Queen of England.  Manchester United are the Kings of English Football, and there is simply no disputing that!  As with any person in a position of such power, there inevitably comes the time when they decide that they have accomplished all that they had set forth to, and thus retire to the life of luxury afforded such a legend!

  Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to retire was not completely unexpected, though the timing of it was still quite a bit surprising.  What was actually shocking in the whole matter was that he personally hand picked his successor.  The Board of Directors felt he had earned the right to do so, and undoubtedly he had, so there was no disputing who would be making this monumental decision.  As it turned out, what did end up being disputed, for 11 months or so to be quite exact, was whom he chose as his successor.  Everybody knows the story of the supposed “Chosen One” so I will not even mention him nor go into any detail other than to say he was sacked with 4 games remaining in the 2013-14 season and 5 years left on his contract!  Louis Van Gaal, who was at the time managing the Dutch National Team in preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, almost immediately emerged as the prime candidate to take over a club as big as Manchester United.  His prior success at European Super Powers Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax only furthered his credentials and made him the likely choice.  He was announced as the new manager in June, and wasted no time once he lead the Netherlands to a 3^rd place finish in Brazil.  He arrived in Carrington no more than 3 days later to begin work as the new manager at Manchester United.  They were due to embark on their U.S. Summer Tour in a matter of days and many transfer deals were yet to be completed.  His first decision that may have ruffled some feathers was naming Wayne Rooney as his Captain over Robin van Persie who had been his Captain for the Netherlands in the World Cup.  
  Van Gaal knew he was starting behind the eight ball, and it definitely showed in the first month or two of the season but as he said, after 3 months you can judge my squad.  And just like he had said, by the Holiday season United started to turn a corner.  They then went on an unbeaten streak that saw them rise up the Premier League table quickly.  The United Board had made it clear that Champions League football was the main priority in his first season, and anything else would be cherry on the sundae.  Chelsea were so far out in front by February that the title seemed out of reach but after consecutive dominating wins over Tottenham and rivals Manchester City & Liverpool, Manchester United started to resemble the team fans were so used to seeing for those 27 years under Sir Alex.  Although we had a brief stumble and 3 game losing streak, we were able to finish the season with a win and a draw to clinch 4^th in the Premier League and a spot in the Qualifying stage of the UEFA Champions League next season.  Mission accomplished as far as the 2014-15 season was concerned but two consecutive seasons without silverware is not a common occurrence at Manchester United.  The goals for this coming season are obviously much higher, contending for trophies both in Europe and the Premier League, with King Louis having the entire summer to shape the squad around his philosophy and style of play.  He was adamant with Ed Woodward that all transfer dealings be completed before United depart for the United States again in July, which is just over 30 days away.  He wants nearly the entire squad on the plane so that they can prepare together and not have players arriving in-season like last season i.e. Falcao, DiMaria & Marcos Rojo.  Summer Tour and training leading up to the Premier League opener on August 8^th is the time for the players to build the camaraderie needed to make a run at the trophies they are expected to contend for.  There will not be any excuses this season.  King Louis will be given as much money as he needs to bring in just about any player he wants to fit the Manchester United philosophy and style of play so many around the world have come to know.  It’s going to be a crazy summer, but exciting nonetheless.  Hard to believe that the Premier League season starts on August 8^th, as King Louis’ 2^nd year reign will be here before we know it!!!