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There has been no shortage of detractors for Louis van Gaal in his first season at Manchester United. Many pundits and fans alike have criticized the Dutchman's stale tactics and mishandling of his star-studded squad.
The latest person to join the list was Wim van Hanegem, who has managed clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord. He was a part of the famous 1974 'Total football' Dutch side and has known Van Gaal for more than 40 years.
Van Hanegem questioned the Dutchman's treatment of his star assistant, Ryan Giggs. He further criticized the dour tactics employed by the Iron Tulip and also condemned his handling of £59.7 million man Angel Di Maria and former Atletico Madrid man, Radamel Falcao.
“What I hate to see is how Van Gaal is treating Ryan Giggs,” said Van Hanegem.
“Louis has more attention for the other geezer next to him. But Louis forgets that we are talking here about Ryan Giggs. Louis has played for Telstar, FC Antwerp and Sparta Rotterdam. Giggs was a giant as a player. He deserves more respect than this.”
“Falcao has proven over the past few years that he is one of the best strikers in the world. But at United he is being treated as if he was signed from an old fourth division club. Sometimes he’s allowed to play a few minutes, sometimes he is allowed to start, other times he sits 90 minutes on the bench, or even worse, in the stands.”
“I can see there are more players not happy at United. Di Maria was one of the most important links in the chain at Real Madrid. In the World Cup, he was the best player in the Argentina side. But at United he hasn’t been able to pass a ball over more than 25 yards most times.”
Van Hanegem also added that Van Gaal does not know what his best system is and that’s why he keeps tinkering with it.
“I don’t know what to think of his coaching and management anymore. I start to think that Louis has had a lot of luck with the teams he has coached before. At United, he is running out of luck. The way United are playing it is not even a guarantee they can finish in fourth place in the league.”
“In fact, I watch them a lot, but not once this season I have seen Louis’ team play decent. I still have not seen the hand of Louis in all this. In a way that is not surprising, because Louis keeps messing about with his line-ups.”
