What is Louis van Gaal\u2019s philosophy? Around 99.9% of us are still trying to figure it out. The Dutchman is one of the most successful managers in the modern era, having managed at the likes of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in his illustrious career. There is very little doubt that, in European football at least, Van Gaal knows his stuff.<\/p>\n
However, he has never managed in the Premier League before and his inexperience is beginning to show. He hasn\u2019t done a terrible job since arriving at Old Trafford but his downright refusal to budge from a structured, restricted system is doing him no favours amongst the United faithful. For the most part of this season, the 13-time Premier League champions have been slow, boring and short of ideas.<\/p>\n
Perhaps Van Gaal\u2019s biggest mistake is Wayne Rooney. As captain, the United manager has almost allowed Rooney a \u2018free pass\u2019 into the starting line-up, even though he has been one of their worst performers this season. Even the most ardent Red has had to admit that, after 374 league appearances for the club, Rooney looks burnt out and is failing to inspire confidence as the focal point of United\u2019s attack.<\/p>\n
Van Gaal is a stern coach but is he a strong leader? Possibly, but the Dutchman doesn\u2019t help himself when he sits on the bench and refuses to advance to the touchline except for the odd occasion. The United manager doesn\u2019t make his presence felt, which was one of David Moyes\u2019 worst traits during his brief era at the helm. Sir Alex Ferguson always dominated the touchline at Old Trafford, and United\u2019s supporters may miss him now more than ever.<\/p>\n
Simply put, United just don\u2019t intimidate opposing sides anymore. The \u2018fear factor\u2019, which was considerably damaged during Moyes\u2019 spell at Old Trafford, has vanished completely \u2013 despite United\u2019s home record this season. People are now excited at the opportunity to face the Red Devils, whereas there was always an aura of fear ahead of fixtures against United. Van Gaal must learn to adapt his tactics for the occasion, rather than assuming his team are good enough to beat certain sides.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, United have been one of the most exciting teams in England\u2019s top flight. Under Van Gaal, however, they are incredibly tedious and build attacks incredibly slowly. In the Dutchman\u2019s eyes, possession is sacred. On average, United have seen more of the ball than anybody else in the Premier League. However, only West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland have taken fewer shots from inside the box so far this season.<\/p>\n
For English football fans, it is hard not to compare this United side to the Arsenal team that slipped into the wilderness after their \u201cInvincibles\u201d success in 2004. Yes, they dominate matches but are lacking that killer threat in attack. The main difference? United have that. Anthony Martial is, and will be, a top class striker but his role is being hindered drastically by an under-fire Rooney.<\/p>\n