Louis van Gaal was given a three-year contract last summer to restore Manchester United to the top of English and European football – a job well on course. Before the start of this season just gone by, the Dutch boss was given a target of securing Champions League football after United failed to qualify following their lowly seventh place finish under David Moyes. Manchester United have completed the first phase of the rebuilding process, but what next for Louis van Gaal and his Red Devils?
United spent over £150 million last summer, bringing in some stellar names. They finished fourth and successfully achieved their target for the season. However, their performances over the course of the season were not convincing and their season could have been worse than the previous campaign but for David de Gea’s outstanding shot-stopping over the course of the season. Their performances improved towards the end of the season, giving a clear indication that the players may have finally grasped van Gaal’s philosophy.
Manchester United are expected to spend big again this summer, but they have only made one major signing so far in Memphis Depay. The club have been linked with several players with the club’s interest in Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos dominating the headlines this past week. Moving away from activity in the transfer window, Louis van Gaal and his men will be returning from their holidays shortly as the club are set to begin pre-season preparations in July. A top four finish will not be their target this time around and United fans will want to see their club gunning for the league title.
United begin their season at home to Tottenham Hotspur – a classic fixture in the Premier League – and will look to make a bold statement by picking up the three points with a good performance to go with it. The Reds have a relatively easier start to the season compared to their title rivals and will look to take advantage. The fans will also expect a good run in the League Cup after their disappointing exit, losing 4-0 to MK Dons in their first game in the competition. United will want their good run of results against the league’s top sides to continue this season as well as their form at home. They will want the Theatre of Dreams to be the fortress it once was.
Football lovers and keen followers of the Premier League are predicting a four-horse title race, but with Liverpool doing some good business in the transfer window, one cannot rule them out just yet. Since the 2005-06 season, this is the first time Manchester United have gone two seasons without winning the Premier League and fans will not want a third. In Europe, United face the daunting prospect of meeting one of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG or Bayern Munich in the group stage should they win their play-off match. Although the Red Devils’ main objective is to reclaim top spot in England, their fans would warmly welcome a decent run in Europe’s elite competition.
The 2015-16 Premier League season is weeks away and Manchester United fans will expect their club to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League and be champions in England once again. Can the Red Devils have enough to make a title challenge this year?
