Three Problems Facing Van Gaal and his Manchester United

Van Gaal said it would take him three months to get Manchester United playing his philosophy.

Let's not forget, results came in the form of six wins in a row, from November to December, but it's no secret, admitted by Van Gaal himself, his side were fortunate in half of those results.

We gave Van Gaal the benefit of the doubt, as he has what Moyes didn't have in abundance, trophies. 

However, the performances haven't come since. The Dutchman is on repeat after every match, demanding more from his side, yet they haven't responded.

Almost, dare I say it, the same line David Moyes had to use to excuse his side's poor performances.

Van Gaal compared to his predecessor has fared much better in the "bigger games," such as against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

United showed a gritty performance against Manchester City which was a complete contrast to last season's demolition they faced from their noisy neighbours. 

Yet, after 21 games, United are on the same points as last season under David Moyes. 37.

The statistics were there to analyse after 10 games:

(Credit: Opta)

Van Gaal's stubbornness to do things his has to be applauded, as it has worked in the past. 

However, I've always wondered why Van Gaal hasn't dapted his system to accommodate the players they have available.

The system he's trying to impose at United is almost identical to the one he used at the World Cup with Van Persie and Robben, with Di Maria replacing the winger in United's loss to Southampton yesterday.

It just didn't work.

The Defence:

United's centre-backs are also very, very uncomfortable on the ball, and to have three of them on the pitch at the same time, destroys any rhythm that could built in this United side.

Watching them yesterday, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling haven't improved since 2012.

(Credit Alex Livesey)
Phil Jones over-running the ball, again.

Their passing to the midfielders, which tend to be 10-15 yard passes, are extremely heavy, for no reason.

It's clear Van Gaal has told them to pass the ball with pace, but their passes are often bouncing awkwardly to their team-mates or with too much power, making it impossible for their midfielders to control.

The Formation:

United's formation yesterday, sorry for the cliché, was full of square pegs in round holes. Why was Rooney playing in attacking midfield role and Di Maria as a forward, when they could've easily switched positions and been more effective?

Daley Blind at left centre-back always looked like he was chasing the ball, never in control of the defensive situations despite being comfortable on the ball.

What really saddens me is the width in United's play. Luke Shaw, and whoever is on the right-wing, whether it be Valencia or Rafael, are extremely limited in their play. 

As United don't play with two out-and-out wingers anymore, the space for the likes of Shaw and Valencia is limited, especially with the midfielders failing to support them.

I often think of Neville/Beckham or Ashley Cole with the multiple wingers he played with, where the movement of the winger would make space for his full-back to bomb forward.

It's such a frustrating sight to see Luke Shaw strive forward with impetus, but having to resort to passing backwards due to no space and no-one to take those opposing players away.

United need to resort back to a basic 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1, just because it suits the players they have available. 

Creating Chances:

For all the creative players United possess, it was reported by Sky that United are 17th in the table for creating chances.

Ridiculous.

It's already surprising enough that no Manchester United player has reached 10 goals yet, especially after surpassing the halfway mark. 

I blogged a month or so ago about how despite United's defence being a worry, the major problem is going forward.

I can't remember the likes of Rooney,Van Persie or anyone else having many chances in United's last three games, and that's unimaginable.

Except Mata, yesterday.

Mata is delightful to watch on the ball, but he must perform when United need him. 

He needs to decide matches, as he could've in United's loss against Southampton, missing three chances.

My last point: I can't understand why Van Gaal doesn't fancy Herrera.

When the Spaniard plays, he quickens United's tempo, he passes and moves, he plays with purpose. 

United lack his energy and tenacity when he's not playing, and I can't comprehend why Van Gaal persists with Rooney in midfield instead.

Victor Valdes is a fantastic signing for Manchester United

First of all, it's unfortunate Valdes' signing seems to signal the end of Anders Lindegaard's Manchester United career, after the 'keeper is almost certainly set for a move away after being made clear he's the third-choice 'keeper at United.

(Credit to Manchester United's twitter)

This was after Louis van Gaal announced Valdes will join the club as the number-two goalkeeper, and this'll excite United fans for many reasons...

Obviously, this implies the club have no intention of selling David de Gea and are working on a new contract for the Spaniard.

I've been wondering this season, "Why hasn't Van Gaal given De Gea a break?" in games such as against the MK Dons or Yeovil Town.

It's evident the United manager didn't have any confidence in Lindegaard, but hopefully that will change with Valdes.

De Gea can't play every game and with United's incredible injury record this season, you want him covered up in bubble wrap in games such as against Cambridge.

Valdes will be a fantastic addition to the United dressing room. After losing Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra at the beginning of the season, the side desperately need that experience back.

The Spanish 'keeper has won everything in football, the World Cup, the Champions League, La Liga, the list goes on.

Oh, Casillas was the 'keeper in the World Cup for Spain? Hardly matters.

You can't put a price on a winning mentality nevertheless, and Valdes will provide experience and calmness to the dressing room.

He will also be a decent mentor to De Gea, with the Spanish connection, inevitably they should strike up a beneficial relationship.

It's all pluses so far, but one aspect which will be interesting over the next 18 months, will Valdes will completely satisfied being a number two after being Barcelona's main man for so long?

Maybe he feels he's in United's debt for helping his rehabilitation and letting him train with the club, but time will tell whether he'll be able to adapt to life as a number two.

2014: What A Year!

Woah, what a year for change it's been.

Where do you even begin? The last few years have been pretty rocky, and honestly, pretty disappointing, but 2014 was an awesome year, for a lot of reasons.

In February, I had my interview to get onto the journalism course at the University of Lincoln, and then there was the simple task of getting the right grades with my A-Levels.

Me with one of my best friends and my head-teacher

With a lot of work, I did! 

August 14th was one of the best days of my life, the pure excitement and happiness from seeing all the hours you've put in, count for something even bigger, was awesome! 

University came really quickly, and my first term went super quickly.

Needless to say, it's been an interesting nevertheless.

I've met people who I know I'll be friends for life with, and that's all you can ask for. 

But the university experience is about how you act in your surroundings, you're constantly tested with the challenges of assignments your tutors give you, and even the way you act with your friends.

I sense because you don't know the people you're at university with as well as you could, like at A-Levels or GCSEs, subconsciously, there's a definite pressure of trying to prove you're a loyal and trustworthy friend.

That is, to people you want to prove that to.

But back to the positive stuff, who would've thought I'd be able to go to a Lincoln game as a proper journalist, with a press-pass and my trusty laptop? Again, awesome.

I've been talking to my friends lately about "New Year's Resolutions," and I'm not really sure I need one after such a good year.

I mean, after such a positive year, is there any need for change?

One thing I'd like to work on is being more upfront with people on touchy subjects, because the best tip I've learnt from my tutors in journalism is, "What's the worst someone can say? No? If so, suck it up and move on."

Honestly, that's some of the best advice you can get, not just regarding journalism, but you can easily apply it to life in general.

You'll get knocked down plenty of times, but it's not whether fail or get what you want, it's how you react after.

That's what I've learnt this year and if people don't like what I have to say... well:

Manchester United's signings will determine if they challenge for the title

53.

That is the number of appearances United's six summer signings have made since joining the club.

That's an average of almost 9 games each, and considering United spent £150m just on permanent signings, (excluding Falcao's loan fees), that's not been good enough.

In their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, United had Herrera, Shaw, Blind and Rojo all missing once again and Di Maria was clearly not match fit when he came on, having no impact when United were chasing the game.

If United are to become title challengers, which looks less likely after their draw, they need their signings to step up once they return from injury.

With Herrera, Shaw and Rojo all having minor injuries and Blind to return in the New Year, they should have close to a fully fit squad starting 2015, and they need to continue this unbeaten run they're on.

United don't just have a shaky defence, they fail to create and convert their chances.

The Red Devils have only scored 3+ goals on three occasions this season out of 17 Premier League games.

With the attacking riches United possess, that can't be good enough.

Against Villa, it was a similar problem, the side had the majority of the possession, but couldn't create many clear cut chances.

United ended the game with Rooney, Mata, Falcao, Wilson and Di Maria all playing, but they weren't even bombarding the Aston Villa goal, as we're so used to seeing pre-Sir Alex retiring.

Despite United's fantastic run so far, which is now seven games unbeaten in the Premier League, Van Gaal still hasn't gotten it right yet.

His "philosophy" hasn't been transmitted to the pitch yet, and it's getting to the point where it must be asked, "Is this as good as it gets?"

However, although United clearly haven't hit their stride yet, they're still third in the table.

If they're signings come back, especially Blind who has been a massive miss, United will look like a much more solid side as a consistent line-up will be able to improve this side's form.

United's defence is obviously an issue too.

It's baffling as to how Johnny Evans gets into this United side.

Every time he received the ball, the Irishman would go backwards despite having options ahead of him.

Who would be a better option? Tyler Blackett, that's who.

The young centre-back came on at half-time for Darren Fletcher, and looked as if he had playing professional football at the top level for years.

His calmness on the ball, as well as always looking forward was an evident difference in styles compared to Evans.

The experienced defender was also at fault for Villa's goal, throwing himself at the three feints Benteke sold him before curling the ball in the corner with his left foot.

For the senior defender at United to lack attacking prowess and fail to look convincing, it's worth wondering whether Van Gaal will look at moving Evans on in the summer if he can bring in a solid replacement.

If United are to play three at the back, my picks, if all fit, would be Jones, Rojo and Blackett.

Manchester City's convincing win shows why they'll win the title come May

My tip at the beginning of the season was Manchester City should be considered favourites for the title.

Since the second week of the season, Chelsea have led the title race for months, and have been considered the team to beat.

However, Manchester City's win against Crystal Palace showed why the rest of the league shouldn't count them out just yet.

Their win yesterday wasn't just convincing, it was scary.

Honestly, it was almost ridiculous.

This is a side who started with James Milner as a striker, and was missing Aguero (who has 14 goals this season, Dzeko, Jovetic and even the young Pozo.

Manuel Pellegrini built his side yesterday around Nasri, Silva and Toure and this led the City making over 400 more passes than Crystal Palace.

Their dominance over  their opposition was mesmerising, it got to the point where you almost felt bad for the Eagles.

City's third goal summed up their win with Yaya Toure scoring from an improbable angle with his left foot, smashing the ball into the top corner.

Again, ridiculous.

Despite Chelsea leading the title race for the majority of the season, their performances are becoming less and less convincing each week, for example their win against Hull City.

They struggled to make clear-cut chances against average opposition, with no disrespect to Hull, who held their own for much of the game until Huddlestone's sending off.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, City are hitting their stride just at the right time.

Over the Christmas period, Pellegrini will be looking for a maximum of nine points from their three games, which includes an away game to West Brom before two home matches against Burnley and Sunderland.

If Chelsea fail to beat Stoke on Monday, we're going to have a new leader in the title race after the Christmas period, and with the likes of Kompany and City's injured strike-force to come back, the strength in depth the club have will lead them to the title.

Manchester United are winning games by playing badly and that's frightening

No matter if United get better sooner or later, they've won five games on the bounce, and by playing this badly and winning, this team are building a fear factor again.

Having a flat-mate who's a Southampton fan, I felt for him.

United had no right to win that game. They shouldn't have, and they wouldn't have last season.

As I went on Twitter during the game, the David Moyes argument creeped up once more:

"If Moyes was in charge, he'd be slated for this performance, blah blah blah."

That's not the point. The way United play in the first half of the season isn't important, it's winning.

That's what Moyes wasn't doing.

In a game such as against Southampton under Moyes, United would play badly, and draw or most of the time, lose.

Under Louis van Gaal, the players seem to have the confidence and determination that they'll win a game, no matter how bad or bleak the situation looks.

Forget the last five games, this was obvious in the Manchester City defeat when they had 10 men, and they still took their rivals all the way, leaving themselves disappointed they didn't at least get a draw.

It also doesn't need to be emphasised how much of an impact injuries have had on United's season.

With players such as Di Maria, Blind, Jones and Rafael all out, imagine when they're back!

If United can stay in touch of Manchester City and Chelsea after Christmas and cement their third place, there's no reason why can't push on in January and fight for the title.

Regardless if they add a few faces, (not saying it's necessarily needed), this team is good enough to compete at the top, especially with the rest of the Premier League being... below average so far this season.

However, despite United's winning form being such a plus by playing badly, they must urgently start playing well.

They play a Liverpool side on Sunday who've just been knocked out of the Champions League, and although they have injuries, they always raise their game against United.

Grinding out this result won't work at Old Trafford.

Go all out or go home, because this isn't going to be like a pub match, as Gary Neville claims, I expect it to be a high intensity match with Liverpool returning back to form, whether United will match them... well we'll have to see.

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: It's time to appreciate the little things...

First of all, SO sorry for such a gap between my last blog post, I've been a tad caught up with university.

It's mad I tell you, absolutely mad.

But...I love it.

The last 11 or so weeks have been so unpredictable, spontaneous, but that's what makes university life so much fun.

Doing a journalism degree adds to that, as the stories you write lead you to do things you'd never think could be done.

Just the other day, I went to two banks to do interviews on the chancellor's new postgraduate loan system for 2016 in the morning, and I had to write a 400 word story in half an hour before catching a train home.

The stress was unreal, but when I gave arrived home after a 4 hour journey on the trains, the amount of pressure that lifted off my shoulders after finishing all my assignments was awesome.

It helps when Lincoln's a lovely place too.

But I'm home now, and it's time to appreciate the smallest of things which seem to be impossible to enjoy at university.

Words can't explain how much I'm looking forward to watching the Christmas football games with my parents.

Just relaxing, no assignments, no work, just enjoying it.

Even going to the fridge or pantry and taking food just because you can and not having to worry how much of your budget your sacrificing to fill your belly.

After being at university for 11 weeks, you'd never think how it changes your perspective on such things, but it does, a lot.

It also makes you look forward to the future, when you're making your own money, when you're saving to buy a house or a really, really fast car... you know what I mean?

I'm going to enjoy my holidays now, but I'll keep blogging on sports during the winter, so keep checking back or register your email!