Among all other things that made Manchester United a dream club was the design of continuity that had been fashioned in such a subtle manner by the legendary Scot that everything at the Theatre of Dreams urged of being trusted with inconceivable permanence. Transiency has never been a word at Old Trafford for the last two decades and half. As all other mortal clubs continued to alter and adjust under the services of different managers with the passage of time, the world at Manchester United remained a surreal one firmly motionless, resolutely authoritative.Stumbling upon reality, it was not without reason that David Moyes was sacked by the Glazers family within a year of his appointment. Its not the United way to pursue the mainstream route of doing away with the skill-less at the back of repeated failures. Perseverance has always been a keyword at Manchester United, but then respect is all that made the club what it is today. For a manager who was least respected by players, staff and fans alike, it was best to seek opportunity elsewhere. Such a team was always destined for disappointments, and the decline, quite expectedly, has turned out to be a topic of incredible fascination and endless discussion.Where United find themselves now is pretty much the same where they found themselves a year back. The difference, however, remains that unlike last time, they dont have the legendary Scot for the final word on appointment. History and heritage may escalate a club through several rungs of reverence, but they merely add to the anguish of failure once the legacy has been broken. Metaphors are not particularly flattering in this predicament, but the post of managership at Old Trafford seems to be the poison chalice now, with hardly any willing candidate.The Glazers have to be prudent in their decision this time as they can hardly afford to risk the pride of the team for another season. None can guarantee the longevity of the next United manager he may stay there for another decade or he may follow Moyes trail soon enough. The issue for Manchester United now is to evaluate and reassess the handful of alternatives and offer the authority to the best suitor. A lot is at stake, and it is all down to the discreetness of the Glazers to decide on the next step.While Jose Mourinho seems to be too far down the road with Chelsea to be available, Jurgen Klopp has announced his reluctance towards leaving the Westfalenstadion until 2018. Ones best bets, therefore, remain with Louis van Gaal as the successor of David Moyes. The 62-year old manager of the Netherlands is set to step down from his role with the national team after this summers World Cup which makes him a probable candidate for replacing Moyes. Here are five things he can change at Old Trafford.
#1 Attacking football
To be honest, the former Everton boss had failed to shrug off his former ways which was clearly evident from Uniteds unfamiliar defensive tactics on the field. The results have been pretty humiliating for a fan; the ground that had once been an invincible fortress, has been conquered time and again in the last few months.
On an encouraging note for United followers, Louis van Gaal has been known for his penchant towards attacking football. Unlike Moyes, the Dutchman promises a brand of football that looks to be in flawless harmony with the fans expectations.
Evident from Hollands staggering 34 goals during European qualification for the 2014 World Cup is the fact that van Gaal likes to endorse aggression on the pitch. It may be premature, but certainly not exceptionally optimistic to suggest that he may be the man to arrest their fall and salvage the clubs lost glory.
#2 Experience
Having worked with teams like Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the veteran manager is no alien to the giant egos of the star players. What remains the essence of his enormously successful career is his philosophy. As a disciplinarian, he carves a silhouette of Sir Alex, yet he remains open to anybody and everybody for their problems.
The 62-year-old may not be the ideal option for a long-term manager, but with years of professional experience and expertise under his belt, he seems to be the man at this moment. From the 1995 Champions League triumph with Ajax that catapulted him to fame, to the 2010 final with Bayern, Louis van Gaal has been a man of purpose and a fine exponent of proverbial accomplishments.
#3 Player management
One of the many flaws of David Moyes had been his incompetence in managing his players. It was hardly surprising that he received the least amount of respect back in the dressing room. The unusual manner of defeats and the lack of passion and intensity in the players amply verified their disinterest and nonchalance towards the manager.
Louis van Gaals man-management skills gain credence from the fact that Robin van Persie is at his best while playing under him. The Manchester United striker hadnt had the best of seasons under David Moyes as the latters training methods firmly contradicted with the formers wishes. Reports of unrest and discontentment in their relationship had proposed van Persies desires of leaving the club until the striker was persuaded to release a statement negating the claims.
The arrival of Louis van Gaal may genuinely aid United as one may expect van Persie to not only stay at Old Trafford but also flourish under his favorite manager. What more, the widely acknowledged fascination towards van Gaals philosophy may even entice a number of top players signings that are absolutely necessary at this point of time.
#4 Youth exposure
One of the persistent criticisms that had haunted Moyes during his tenure at Old Trafford is the stunted development of younger players like Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. The problem of getting insufficient of match time amplified to such proportions that Kagawa and Hernandez were persuaded to consider leaving the club. That these same players had progressed wonderfully under Sir Alex made it worse for Moyes.
On the contrary, Louis van Gaals insistence on youth is widely acknowledged as is apparent from the fact that the Netherlands team in their last encounter against France consisted of only two players above 26 years. With the likes of Nick Powell and Adnan Januzaj coming up the ranks, it is of utmost importance to recognize and nurture their talent for the progress of both the club and the players.
The Dutch manager with his expertise in communicating with the youth and improving their skills could prove to be the best nominee for achieving youth potential. The aging quarter at Manchester United is set to bid farewell in the next couple of seasons, and therefore, youth exposure to big matches turns out to be of immediate importance.
#5 Transition phase
Manchester United has been nothing less than an enigma under the sagacious stature of Sir Alex Ferguson. Calm and decisive, the Red Devils spoke of preservation change and sack were two of the most alien expressions at Old Trafford. In the utopian world that overwhelmed United aficionados, Fergies men seemed to be exclusively insulated from the bitter implications of managerial inefficiency.
Yet, transition is reality and every team has to undergo a period of transformation at some point in their history. The catch remains whether the chief has sufficient aptitude and panache to steer his team towards glory. On all accounts, it may be declared with genuine emphasis that Louis van Gaal has it all in him to turn the tables for Manchester United.
The flawless blend of his philosophy and methods remain in immaculate sync with the clubs ideals as the erudite manager appears to be a shadow of the legendary Scot. Emulating his success with a depleting Manchester United squad, however, will not be distinctly easy. Speaking about the dearth of willingness and relative lack of quality in the current squad, anticipating an abrupt turnaround next summer will be unacceptably demanding.
Its certainly harder than it looks, with the unpredictability of success making it all the more critical. Patience and faith are all that the fans can adhere to as United looks to reinstate pride among the ruins.