It's not easy to turn a side who finished 7th in the league last season, to a team which can beat Roma, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter Milan.
Albeit, you could argue -
- Madrid were a week behind United in terms of training
- United beat Inter Milan on penalties
- Liverpool should've had a second penalty
- Roma...uhm I can't think of one for them...
However, do you think that will taint the confidence in the dressing room of those United players?
Not at all.
This a side who lost to West Brom, Sunderland, Olympiakos, and only beat one side that finished above them in the league.
The early signs from the beginning of the Van Gaal reign have been encouraging, especially instilling a new system in two weeks with the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2, whichever way you see it.
2) - Some players have impressed in a new system whilst others have faltered
Ashley Young has been able to reinvent himself in this United system, showing promising signs of being able to play either wing-back position. The English winger, who was thought to be on the fringes of being sold, scored 2 goals in the International Champions Cup whilst also collecting a notable assists.
Other stars on the tour include, Reece James; who scored a brace on his debut against L.A. Galaxy and Jesse Lingard; who scored an impressive snapshot against Liverpool.
Despite the highlighted successes, some players have failed to make an impression on Van Gaal.
The likes of Nani and Wilfred Zaha struggled to make an impact when given the chance, and Shinji Kagawa only showed glimpses of potential.
3) - Van Gaal must strengthen the defence in the transfer window
Although United's forward line is one of the best in Europe, and their midfield looks solid enough, the defence remains a major worry for United.
Phil Jones has showed promising signs of returning to his best form and Chris Smalling looks as if he can improve under Van Gaal as well.
However, Johnny Evans hasn't become the leader United crave. At 26, the Northern Ireland international should've stepped up by now, especially after the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, yet he's failed to do so.
United must seriously target world-class defenders to match the likes of Mats Hummels and Eliaquim Mangala.
It's a mystery as to why United haven't pursued Mangala further, as the Frenchman looks set to complete a £32m move to neighbours, Manchester City.
4) - The midfield doesn't have enough to compete against the top sides
The sad truth: Ander Herrera has been an inspired signing for United, however he isn't enough for United to challenge the top sides.
The young Spanish midfielder needs help next to him and unless Tom Cleverley seriously improves, it seems United might need to dip into the transfer market again for another midfielder.
Although, Van Gaal hasn't seen Nick Powell as of yet, and Wigan's top scorer last season could just be a welcomed surprise for United.
Jesse Lingard also impressed in a midfield role, however whether he'll be given the chance week-in, week-out, remains to be seen.
5) - United will be challenging for a top-four position this season
Although it's far too early to say the Red Devils can challenge for the league title, it's safe to say they'll definitely be in the mix for a top-four finish.
The side is much better prepared than last season, and with arrivals expected after the inevitable departures of Fellaini, Nani and Anderson, this United side will be there come the end of the season.
The impressive attitude United showed in defence, being disciplined in their defending and communicating with authority, was undoubtedly missing last season and Van Gaal has already drilled this much-needed mindset into his players which should hold them in good stead for the upcoming season.
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