On Monday, Manchester United fans woke to the long awaited news that Louis Van Gaal had been officially appointed as the club’s new manager. The story will be a relief to many, as the club look to rebuild after their worst Premier League campaign ever. But Louis Van Gaal will still be walking into the same situation as David Moyes had been. He will still feel the weight of expectation (perhaps even more so), he will still suffer the pressure that falls onto the Old Trafford dug-out, and he will still have Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary personality to contend with in the background of the club… Though the majority of the criticism for last year’s failings did fall onto the shoulders of David Moyes, his predecessor, the great Sir Alex, did not entirely escape blame. Moyes had been his ‘chosen one’, and he had ultimately chosen badly. However, Ferguson’s influence was also given as a reason for Moyes’ bad performances. Too often Ferguson was spotted at Old Trafford, usually with the likes of Bobby Charlton or Bryan Robson, watching over proceedings, hawk-like. Quite rightly, the most decorated manager in Premier League history still has a part to play at his football club. But, fans might hope that he stays further in the background during the reign of the club’s next manager. Van Gaal has already acknowledged that he needs to put the club back where Ferguson left it, and he doesn’t appear immediately overawed by the legacy of the man – David Moyes appeared to never quite come to terms with it. Of course, Van Gaal has been brought into a team where the only way is up, whereas Moyes was all about maintaining and improving, but it seems clear that Van Gaal will not want Ferguson’s input to be too strong. United are now at a very different period in their history, and it is one that stands entirely apart from Sir Alex’s unbelievable time at the club. Ferguson will forever be remembered at Old Trafford, but from this point, it might be best if he takes an increasingly less involved role.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 20:33:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015