Louis van Gaal is arguably the most divisive post-Ferguson manager of Manchester United among the club’s supporters.
A large section of the Old Trafford faithful remember Van Gaal’s two years in charge with little fondness, with a dull playing style and a string of underwhelming performances.
But some supporters recognise Van Gaal’s commitment to youth, having bought through the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard, and point to the 2016 FA Cup win as a sign that good times were just around the corner.
The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. But what cannot be argued is that the Van Gaal era began with an inauspicious defeat.
We’ve taken a look at the United side that lost 2-1 to Swansea in August 2014 and how they’ve fared since.
GK: David de Gea
One of only two current United players who’ve won the league at Old Trafford, De Gea has served the club with distinction since 2011.
Initially thought to be too weedy for the Premier League, which perhaps explains why he was caught shoplifting Krispy Kremes from Tesco, the goalkeeper blossomed into one of the world’s best custodians and has bailed United out on more than one occasion.
After coming under criticism the past few seasons, the Spaniard has returned to some of his best form last year to effectively seen off the challenge of Dean Henderson. Not good enough for Luis Enrique, though.
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CB: Phil Jones
Once tipped to be United’s greatest-ever player by Sir Alex Ferguson – who, let’s remind ourselves, was only human – Jones failed to live up to those lofty expectations and has endured an injury-hit career.
The centre-back rejected the chance of a testimonial in 2021, telling Goal: “There’d be only my mum and dad who would turn up.”
But Jones made a surprise appearance against Wolves in January 2022 and was arguably United’s best player that night. Further opportunities have not been forthcoming and he’s since been ousted from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad. His contract finally expires next summer and we wouldn’t be shocked if he chooses that moment to call it quits.
All a bit sad, really.
Phil Jones hadn’t played for United since January 2020.
He started against Wolves on Monday and this is what it meant to him ❤️
(via @ManUtd) pic.twitter.com/wSi5pBoyw0
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 4, 2022
CB: Chris Smalling
Smalling made 323 games for United, winning two…
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