Manchester United fans are used to being very familiar with their manager, having spent 27 years in the care of Sir Alex Ferguson, but all of that has changed.
Louis van Gaal is the third United manager since Sir Alex retired in the summer of 2013. He has faced a stuttering start to his time in charge, an impressive pre-season and a distinctly less than impressive competitive start.
That underwhelming beginning has been in large part due to injuries to key players, however, given the level of upheaval at Old Trafford, here are some questions United fans, or at least this United fan, would love to put to the new boss.
How Long Do You Plan to Stick with 3-4-1-2?
Mr Van Gaal, throughout your history, you have played a variety of formations, from the 4-3-3 of your Ajax side, to the 4-4-2 of AZ and the 4-2-3-1 of Bayern Munich.
When Kevin Strootman’s injury made you switch your Netherlands side to a 3-5-2, per Sky Sports, did you envisage playing that at your next club? You have said the use 3-4-1-2 at United was a response to the number of forward players available to you (h/t Daily Mail). It is fair to say it has not been a roaring success so far.
Are you happy that the formation will do the trick given time, or is it a stop gap? Have the sweeping changes to the squad made it more balanced, and will you use a different formation in the future? If you are planning to change it, when do you think that might be?
How Long Will You Stick with Wayne Rooney If He Underperforms?
There was some disquiet amongst fans when you made Wayne Rooney captain. Whilst the decision makes some sense, in terms of his profile, questions do remain about his leadership style, and his relationship with the fans.
Now that you have made him captain, there is some fear that might make him "undroppable." Of course, the idea of an "undroppable" player seems an anathema to you, but could you reassure us that if, say, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Juan Mata are more deserving of a place in the side, Rooney’s status won’t affect your selection decisions? Thanks!
Who Is on the Radar for January and Next Summer?
It has been a remarkable transfer window, and as fans, we certainly have plenty of shiny new signings to keep us excited. However, there are a couple of areas where the strengthening has not been quite what was expected.
Are you still in the market for an experience central defender to bolster our ranks, where there is plenty of young talent, but considerably less experience?
It feels greedy to ask for another central midfielder when Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera have all arrived in the same window, but someone in the Arturo Vidal type, if not the man himself, would still be very welcome.
Also, rumours have begun again linking a certain multiple Ballon d'Or-winning Portuguese ex-red returning. No, not Nani, still yet to win the Ballon d'Or. Rather, Cristiano Ronaldo, per Jacob Steinberg in the Guardian.
How Long Are You Planning to Stay?
Assuming things go well, and, Mr Van Gaal, I am sure they will, how long are you planning to stick around? We know you have a three-year contract, and that fits with the general pattern of your career, but might you consider extending that if you feel there is still work to be done.
We do not expect you, or indeed, really anyone ever again, to stick around for the full 27 years, but five years might be nice, assuming that suits you.
What Would You Like Your Legacy to Be?
You have quite the reputation for leaving a legacy. Two of the defining teams of our times have been partially built on ground work you laid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Once upon a time you said you hoped to see a Barcelona side comprised of 11 La Masia graduates, per Jonathan Liew of the Daily Telegraph.
It seemed far-fetched at the time, but some years later, in fact, it happened. Do you have a plan in mind for enabling a future where, perhaps, 11 Carrington graduates could start for United?
Whatever the answers are to the above questions, Mr Van Gaal, it is nice to feel in safe hands again. We look forward to seeing what you have in store for us.
Source: Bleacher Report
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