#3 LVG took Netherlands to third place in the World Cup, signed for Manchester United and was sacked
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At the time of Messi’s hat trick, Louis van Gaal was pondering over the squad he would pick for the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign. Following the withdrawal of Kevin Strootman due to another career-threatening injury, van Gaal was left with the unenviable task of leading a depleted Netherlands team through the World Cup, which he did so successfully. LVG joined Manchester United on a three-year deal following the sacking of David Moyes.
During his time at Manchester United, van Gaal’s sides showed promise at the start of both seasons, but his style of leadership did not go down well with the team. Although Manchester United finished 4th in his first season in charge, there were signs that he would not last long at the club due to his combative nature.
Eventually, van Gaal lost the dressing room and the support of many players at the club. United were knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League, and to make matters worst suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the Europa League.
An FA Cup victory at the end of the season was scant consolation as United finished 5th, out of contention for Champions League football this season. 3 days after United’s FA Cup victory, van Gaal’s sacking was made official, while Jose Mourinho was ushered in as their saviour for this season.
