„Manchester United“ head coach Louis van Gaal faced a lot of criticism after the loss to „Wolfsburg“ and early exit from the Champions League, with doubts rising about his chances to continue coaching the team next season. Journalist Matt Jones from bleacherreport.com revealed in his article that in order to stay in his position for the next year, the Dutchman must finish this season with the Premier League trophy in his hands.
It is reported that in order to remain as the „Manchester United“ coach for the next years, Louis van Gaal will have to fight for the Premier League champions' title, which would require him to regain the trust of the team's players, who were puzzled by his decision to substitute Juan Mata in the Champions League and leave him on the bench.
After the 2:3 loss to „Wolfsburg“ and dropping into Europa League, „United“'s priority for this season will be a good performance in the Premier League. Daily Star journalist Jeremy Cross claims that winning this championship is crucial for the coach to keep his job.
„The Dutchman, who has already spent over £250 million, still has the trust of the management, despite mediocre results and criticism towards his tactics.“
„From what we know, the priority for „United“ for the rest of the season is victory in the Premier League, and the club executives would not be satisfied with just a top four finish and a return to the Champions League next year.“
„Van Gaal is one of the highest earning coaches in Europe and „United“ wants to see results for their investments, otherwise, the coach's position would be in danger, and Carlo Ancelotti is already among the candidates to coach the team next season,“ - Cross claims.
The journalist also believes that in winter „the Red Devils“ are ready to spend a large amount of money during the transfer window again, with „Southampton“ representative Sadio Mane being the main target for „United“. Considering Van Gaal's tendency to spend on players, it is almost certain that huge sums will be spent in January in an attempt to compete for the Premier League title.
It seems that some of the team's players are starting to doubt the coach as well. According to James Ducker from The Times, the decision to substitute Mata in the 69th minute against „Wolfsburg“ puzzled the team's footballers.
„Dissatisfaction among players is starting to appear regarding his approach and methods,“ - wrote Ducker.
BT Sport's Julien Laurens also shared a similar opinion and was also puzzled by the decision to replace the Spaniard with Nick Powell, who hasn't played a single minute for „the Red Devils“ this season.
„To sub in Nick Powell instead of Juan Mata in such an important match must be a coaching maneuver of this season... #LVGgenius“, - the journalist shared an ironic statement on his Twitter account.
„United“ fans, like fans of other clubs, undoubtedly want to see opportunities given to young players. It must be acknowledged that this is one positive aspect of Van Gaal's decisions.
Injuries to many players have depleted the team's lineup, but there is always a right time for young players to shine in the starting lineup, and crucial Champions League matches are certainly not the best time for such decisions. It seems that the team's players agree with this, and when in the most important moments of the match an experienced player who can control the game, like Mata, is substituted off, their reaction is understandable.
In any case, it is becoming clear that Louis van Gaal has been assigned a huge task for the rest of the season if he wants to continue as the „Manchester United“ coach. Being drawn into not the strongest Champions League group and missing out on advancing could be a key reason why the Dutchman will have to abandon his principles and try to regain the players' trust. Also, it is unlikely that we will see him at the helm of the „United“ team next season.
