Manager
Louis van Gaal could have got an ‘A’ just for his antics at Manchester United’s end of season event where he insisted the audience clap a saxophone player.
But more seriously, like many of his squad it seemed the Dutchman was trying to get to grips with the English game for the majority of the campaign – sometimes to the detriment of his side.
He seemed to find an ideal team and formation at the end – though this was more by chance than any real genius and it was David Moyes’ signings in Mata and Fellaini, rather than his own, which ended up saving United’s Champions League hopes this season.
If he’s to be given control over such an unlimited cheque-book, he must be greater in this regard this summer.
Grade: B-
Areas to improve next season
Sort out that attack and strike force. Di Maria simply has to improve if he is to justify his British record transfer fee, if not he must go – sooner rather than later. Wayne Rooney isn’t best used in midfield as was experimented with during the year, and if the Red Devils really want to succeed they have to be offering more than a mopey Robin van Persie and a barely functioning Radamel Faclao up-front – there needs to be serious investment.
Manchester United also have to come up with some discernible style or routine. The hallmarks of van Gaal’s early days were an inconsistent formation as he tried to discover the best game-plan for his ground of players but give he’s now had a season to experiment a definable style should be clear.
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