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Enter Louis van Gaal
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| Now this looks more like a Man United manager |
His reputation preceded him. Fall-outs with players, bizarre coaching methods and a person from whom we get memorable quotes with almost every interview. But he was unafraid and brazenly confident to handle the pressures of being United manager when the club were in turmoil.
Of course, the first few results didn't help settle the fans. Staying awake to watch the entire match against MK Dons (which led to me having insomnia for about a week after that fiasco) was the glorious highlight.
150 million bucks and a year later, United finished the season 4th. It took almost 28 games of the season for the team to find its rhythm and play the free flowing attacking football that United are known for.
Previous year's flop shows like Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini resurfaced and shined. Old Trafford was roaring again. Sure 4th place is nothing to cheer about. But at least the players are rejuvenated.
There is a will to win and score goals again. The fight back quality is back. The never say die attitude is regained. In short the identity of Manchester United football club has returned.
Looking forward to the 3rd year of this transition period, I can speak for all United supporters that there is light at the end of this tunnel. The Old Trafford ground has been literally refurbished. We have players like the legendary Bastian Schweinsteiger and young live wire Memphis Depay yet to make their Old Trafford debuts.
Now before every United match, the desperation and desolate feeling of 2 years back is no more. Instead, now I feel a nervous hope. The team has by no stretch reached the point where fans get thrills before the match.
But at least it's better than having to watch a match through the gaps of your fingers covering your face (which is how I watched United lose to Sunderland in the league cup penalty shootout. Geez, how ridiculously painful was that to watch!)
There is hope again. We can again look forward to hearing from our manager with joy rather than cringe with embarrassment. We don't have to look at our rivals with jealousy. Even if the team loses, there is genuine belief that it will not be without a fight.
It all comes down to this. The team may move forwards or flounder again because the years of transition are by no means over. But at least the fans can believe again. Because if you can't believe in your faith, then what can you believe in.
