When Louis van Gaal was confirmed as Manchester United manager, thoughts immediately turned to next season and the pre season preparations. But following a lot of World Cup shocks, surprises and disappointments, it can only be good news for United and for Louis van Gaal.
Much was made a month ago of Manchester United’s 14 players that would be heading to Brazil, to represent 9 countries in this summers World Cup. With most of those teams anticipated to progress, it was feared that Louis van Gaal’s first few weeks at the club would be without the majority of the first team squad.
Despite van Gaal’s Dutch side having a perfect tournament so far, gaining 9 points out of 9 in the group stage, results for the other nations haven’t quite gone as most would have expected.
World Champions Spain were amongst the tournament favourites so Louis van Gaal would certainly have not been expecting to see Juan Mata or David de Gea on Uniteds pre season tour. However, with the Spanish being dumped out of the tournament at the first hurdle, it will most certainly be a welcome bonus to our new manager as he plans his Premier League debut season.
But it’s not just Spain’s exit that will delight van Gaal. The Dutchman’s pre season plans will also have been handed a boost as England, Japan, Portugal and Ecuador all made early exits to the tournament.
The only United players who are still in the tournament, will be representing Belgium, Mexico, France, and of course, van Gaal’s Netherlands.
Players Out
ENGLAND
Wayne Rooney
Danny Welbeck
Phil Jones
Chris Smalling
(Luke Shaw)
SPAIN
Juan Mata
David de Gea
JAPAN
Shinji Kagawa
PORTUGAL
Luis Nani
ECUADOR
Antonio Valencia
Players Remaining
NETHERLANDS
Robin van Persie
FRANCE
Patrice Evra
BELGIUM
Adnan Januzaj
Marouane Fellaini
MEXICO
Javier Hernandez
The longer van Gaal gets to get used to his players, and vice versa, the better the chances the club have of succeeding in the coming season.
New signing Ander Herrera, and potential new signing Luke Shaw, will also be available from the beginning of pre season which will hopefully give them plenty of time to settle in at the club, along with any other potential signings.
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