12 months ago, if Manchester United fans had have been offered an instant return to the Champions League they would have been snapping hands off. In that respect, this season has been a success, but how would their end of season report read?
After the dismay of missing out on a top four spot for the first time in over twenty years, the main objective for Louis van Gaal was to take his new charges back into the spots to qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
The Dutchman’s rebuilding job began at breakneck speed last summer, the recruitment of Angel Di Maria was the standout acquisition of the summer, possibly continent wide; the Argentinian was coming off a World Cup where he was one of the star turns for the eventual runners up.
His initial impact set pulses racing, in particular a stunning individual performance against QPR; however since the turn of the year, through a combination of injuries and loss of form, he has struggled to make the desired effect many wished for.
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Di Maria’s first season was endemic of nearly all of Van Gaal’s acquisitions, Shaw, Falcao and Herrera have all flattered to deceive at different points this term. In terms of his recruitment policy, United must do better. Their successful pursuit of Memphis Depay before this season even came to its conclusion can only bode well for how active they plan to be this summer.
This season saw United only notch 62 times, 11 times fewer than champions Chelsea and more than twenty behind their noisy neighbours City. Wayne Rooney managed to take home the golden boot for The Red Devils with a quite frankly paltry 12 goals. If they are to genuinely challenge for honours again, they must find serious strike power next term.
The main success story for United this term has undoubtedly been the resurgence of some of their more maligned squad members. Fellaini and Young have enjoyed a new lease of life in this campaign, both becoming integral to the ongoing project at Old Trafford; whether they are of the desired quality to be a part of the finished article is still yet to be seen.
United have been heavily reliant on a few key men this term, Rooney’s promotion to captain has only enhanced his reputation as their most talismanic figure, whilst Michael Carrick is finally being recognised as the world class midfield anchor he has been for nearly a decade. Along with these two, David De Gea has established himself as arguably the top keeper in the world; hanging on to the Spaniard is one of United’s top objectives for the coming months.
With little progress in both cups, finishing miles behind the leading pack in the league, this season can hardly go down as an unmitigated success. However, the remit for Van Gaal has been met, United will be back playing Champions League football next term but it is unlikely the manager and the team will receive such little criticism should they fare similarly next year.
To sum up United have made a start, but they must do much, much better.
C+
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