Learning invaluable lessons from the mistakes made during a rather forgettable 2013/2014 season should provide Manchester United with the best foundations to re-assert themselves in the Premier League. Life without Sir Alex Ferguson was always likely to be difficult, but few expected the former champions to struggle in the manner that they did, on and off the pitch.
Finishing seventh was the first time that Manchester United had ended the season outside of the top four since the Premier League was founded, but also illustrates the considerable lack of consistency and form that ran throughout the club.
Major changes have been made to the playing and coaching staff, with Louis Van Gaal tasked with the responsibility to return the glory to Manchester United. A renowned and highly respected manager across the world was required to repair the damage created by a squad which was heading to the end of its golden era, with Old Trafford losing its fear factor as teams came with more belief and ambition to beat a team lacking in confidence. The former Holland manager not only brings extensive management experience to Old Trafford, but his profile is enough to attract the best players in the world into moving to England. A number of high-profile signings have already improved Manchester United’s odds of success in the 2014/2015 season, but there may need to be more through the doors at Old Trafford if the Red Devils are to compete for the title.
Transfers
A number of high-profile departures from Old Trafford made it imperative for Van Gaal to be active in the transfer market and bring in the calibre of players that fans have become accustomed to watching at Manchester United. Losing Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra has taken away a large quantity of the experience and class that was pivotal to maintaining a superb defence that gave little away, but Van Gaal is proven in bringing the best from young players with potential. Strong links with Mehdi Benatia and Mats Hummels suggests that Van Gaal is still looking for a strong leader in defence, but acquiring Luke Shaw from Southampton for £30 million shows that Manchester United are looking at the present and future condition of the club. The same applies to the signing of highly talented midfielder Ander Herrera who has the ability to control a game in the same manner that Paul Scholes did in his prime. Sporting Lisbon’s Marcos Rojo is the new face at Old Trafford, with the Argentine defender shining at this summer’s World Cup and is versatile enough to play at centre back and left back, therefore providing Van Gaal with more options in defence.
Opening fixtures
Playing Swansea is never an easy game, but there was huge expectation that Manchester United will turn on the style at Old Trafford to show they mean business this season. Unfortunately, they never really got going and were punished by the determined Swans who took 3 points back to Wales with a 2-1 victory. It may ultimately turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Van Gaal and Manchester United, but the manner of the defeat illustrates there is a lot of work to be done before the club are in the position to challenge for the Premier League title. Away trips to Sunderland and Burnley wrap up the opening month of the season for United who remains a ‘work in progress’ side under new management, but Van Gaal is the right man to get Manchester United firing on all cylinders once again.
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