After the unsuccessful 2013-2014 English Premier League season, in which the "Red Devils" set all-time low records and former sir Alex Ferguson's replacement David Moyes became the scapegoat, nothing else could have been expected but a huge overhaul in the team, starting from its head - the head coach.
Without any annoying media speculation or scandalous headlines and fans' iron patience tests, the chaos brought the "flying Dutchman" strategist Louis van Gaal to the manager's chair. From the day the Dutchman took over the team, one of the most successful football clubs of all time, a revolution began.
Team formation
Although the entire football world was used to seeing the "Red Devils" play in a 4-4-2 formation, which seemed irreplaceable to everyone, the new manager saw things differently. Initially, Louis van Gaal believed there were no gaps in the players' positioning, but after a longer period of time, a light was shed during the team's training sessions, which rearranged the numbers in a different way.
From now on, when we talk about Manchester United, we must see the numbers 3-4-1-2. This player formation strengthens the team's attacking force, with attacks being directed by the Spaniard Juan Mata, and forwards doing their job, supporting the midfielders in the front lines.
But Louis van Gaal himself downplays the importance of the team's format. Rather than applying a system to his teams, he applies what he calls a philosophy. In the Ajax team in Amsterdam, he worked with a 4-3-3 format, in Barcelona with a 2-3-2-3, and in Manchester United, the coach still has time to experiment. The coach calls himself flexible, so there will be no worries about the team's format within the "Red Devils" ranks.
Philosophy
Louis van Gaal is the first non-UK manager to take over the Manchester United team. With him, he brought a philosophy that the entire "Red Devils" community has already become familiar with. The coach from the Netherlands primarily builds a true team, consisting of players who know each other closely. During training matches in the United States, the whole team had lunch sitting in a circle, encouraging the integration of new players, constant communication. Understandably, this will continue. In this way, the coach forms a close-knit group of people, who come together in one amazing team.
Transfers
The new strategist has already made moves in the player market, acquiring two new players. They are Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw. The latter purchase, whose physical fitness has disappointed the head coach, will miss the start of the season. Just joining the team, Luke Shaw did not meet the Dutchman's requirements, a fact the player himself acknowledged. So the Manchester United newcomer underwent an increased workload in physical training. During one such training session, the defender suffered an injury. It is believed that the player will only join the team after four weeks of recovery.
This means that the absence of this player at the start of the season may prompt the club management to invest more heavily in the player market. However, as the team's manager stated during a press conference: "Before making certain decisions, I must see for myself what the current players are capable of. I only buy players when I believe that buying a player for a certain position is necessary."
New Captain
From now on, the title of captain within the "Red Devils" ranks belongs to the ever-energetic Wayne Rooney, who has been playing home matches at Old Trafford for ten years and has earned it all. Whether he deserves it or not, everyone can ponder, but no one can deny the striker's contribution to the team's success. It is likely that the current captain will improve the number of goals scored by the team, where Wayne Rooney ranks third at the moment.
The forward has scored 211 goals, and it is very likely that this player will surpass the club record belonging to Sir Bobby Charlton - to score more than 249 goals. In addition to the new captain, Manchester United also has a new vice-captain. This position was entrusted to Darren Fletcher, who received recognition from both players and team fans.
Manchester United at the top of the league?
Club legend Garry Neville asserts that United must acquire more players to be able to triumph in the top spot of the Premier League. "If the team does not acquire at least two or three players, then I don't think it is realistic to believe that Louis van Gaal can lead the team to the top of the league," said Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
The player also added that the Red Devils must find a solution in defense, as someone needs to fill in for the injured Michael Carrick, who dropped out of the lineup for two, maybe even three months. However, the Red Devils' bench is not so short that when one player is out, they immediately have to resort to the "scythe" that can be "grabbed" from the player market.
A long Premier League season awaits, during which Manchester United has nothing more to lose this year. Maximum focus is required in every match, during which player pity or protection would be an incomprehensible decision. But all we can do is wait. Only 38 unwavering rounds of the English Premier League will reveal the consequences of this ongoing revolution, and perhaps the aftermath.
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