United linked with van Gaal in the meeja

[Raoul]

I don't understand why we are reportedly interested in Van Gaal when he's obviously tied up until July, which risk him not getting a full summer for transfers and to prepare the squad for the year ahead.

 

[Blackwidow]

He didn't buy Gomez either like Redsky says in the post you quoted. That deal was done long before he joined, same with Tymoshchuk. Both players were signed for the next season when Klinsmann was still in charge. Van Gaal's reaction was publicly stating, that those signings weren't his and he doesn't care if they play or not, they don't fit in his ideas for the team.

Gomez was a done deal before van Gaal came - that transfer was probably even done a year prior. But Robben was a late buy in August and van Gaal had a big influence in that as he had worked with Arjen before and e.g. gave him his debut with the Elftal. The transfer was made because of the connection of Robben with van Gaal and van Bommel.

With Tymo and Gomez he was right. Gomez just did not match into the system - not really with him even if he made it work a little more in the second year, we saw the problems with Heynckes and how much better the team functions with Mandzukic - and that he left when faced with Guardiola just tells the full story.

Similar story with Tymoschchuk - he never had more than a bit part role in either his or Heynckes' team.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I don't understand why we are reportedly interested in Van Gaal when he's obviously tied up until July, which risk him not getting a full summer for transfers and to prepare the squad for the year ahead.

He could potentially lay a lot of ground work before June... identify targets/brief the club and players etc

 

[#07]

I don't understand why we are reportedly interested in Van Gaal when he's obviously tied up until July, which risk him not getting a full summer for transfers and to prepare the squad for the year ahead.

At the moment Van Gaal's sitting about in a villa in Portugal doing nothing, waiting for the season to end and his Holland players to join their pre-World Cup camp at the end of May.

If appointed now he'd be able to assess our team, introduce himself to United, go over our transfer targets, say who he wants and lay the groundwork for after the World Cup. There's actually more risk in trying to get another manager who is currently tied up as they would not be free until the season is over, at the earliest (due to negotiations over compensation it could take longer), and the World Cup would then be 2-3 weeks away.

 

[RedSky]

He didn't buy Gomez either like Redsky says in the post you quoted. That deal was done long before he joined, same with Tymoshchuk. Both players were signed for the next season when Klinsmann was still in charge. Van Gaal's reaction was publicly stating, that those signings weren't his and he doesn't care if they play or not, they don't fit in his ideas for the team.

Ah fair enough, I just looked at the players that were signed during his stint at the club.

 

[Balu]

Gomez was a done deal before van Gaal came - that transfer was probably even done a year prior. But Robben was a late buy in August and van Gaal had a big influence in that as he had worked with Arjen before and e.g. gave him his debut with the Elftal. The transfer was made because of the connection of Robben with van Gaal and van Bommel.

Yeah, he didn't mind having Robben in the team. But the transfer was pushed forward by Hoeness and Rummenigge, van Gaal didn't care if we signed him or not despite the horrible football we played and the shockingly bad results.

 

[Raoul]

He could potentially lay a lot of ground work before June... identify targets/brief the club and players etc

At the moment Van Gaal's sitting about in a villa in Portugal doing nothing, waiting for the season to end and his Holland players to join their pre-World Cup camp at the end of May.

If appointed now he'd be able to assess our team, introduce himself to United, go over our transfer targets, say who he wants and lay the groundwork for after the World Cup. There's actually more risk in trying to get another manager who is currently tied up as they would not be free until the season is over, at the earliest (due to negotiations over compensation it could take longer), and the World Cup would then be 2-3 weeks away.

I'd imagine everything between now and June will be about preparing Holland for the WC. He'd probably get roundly criticized for taking his eye off the ball if he were to focus on United now.

 

[Blackwidow]

Yeah, he didn't mind having Robben in the team. But the transfer was pushed forward by Hoeness and Rummenigge, van Gaal didn't care if we signed him or not.

All transfers were pushed by Hoeneß and Rummenigge. The coach ain't the one that signs. But ask Robben for it how his transfer happened - he has stated that it came through the connection with van Gaal and van Bommel.

 

[jem]

Van Gaal wants Roy Keane as his second in command,

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...-assistant-at-manchester-united-30210954.html

What do you's reckon? Would United let Keane through the doors? Would the players welcome him back given all that has transpired since 2005?

I'm sorry, but I would love to have Keane in. I've always thought that his problem was managing teams that couldn't get player of his standard. That wouldn't be an issue at United. And the thought of him walking in and focusing those Manson lamps on the likes of Michael Carrick is just too delicious to contemplate.

 

[buckooo1978]

Yeah, he didn't mind having Robben in the team. But the transfer was pushed forward by Hoeness and Rummenigge, van Gaal didn't care if we signed him or not.

how can you tell - apart from idle speculation - that Van Gaal didn't care if Bayern signed Robben

these statements always puzzle me

 

[CassiusClaymore]

He could potentially lay a lot of ground work before June... identify targets/brief the club and players etc

Yeah this. Added to which if he intends to keep the likes of Giggs & Scholes around (and all indications are that he probably would) they can smooth over that small transition period.

Transfer wise is where it gets a bit more confusing. I'd assume the club would brief the new manager on our potential targets and it would be on his say so. Or is that not the case?

 

[Anderson's Cat]

Holland, Ajax and erm, Nottingham Forrest, "legend" Bryan Roy reckons he'd jump at the chance.



http://www.football365.com/news/21554/9279170/Roy-Bryan-Says-Van-Gaal-Wants-The-United-Job

Have to say, the more I read about the man, the more I want him in charge...

Was just about to post that! That gets me excited too.

 

[shaggy]

Agree with those saying his late arrival to us is a concern. Imagine another year where we don't strengthen the midfield? Would be unthinkable.

 

[SteveJ]

"Once, van Gaal grew a very bushy beard. He'd read about the pirate 'Blackbeard' who put burning fuses in his beard, so he did that before entering the changing-room. The younger players were terrified, especially when he tore off his shirt and wrestled the club mascot."

lol

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I'd imagine everything between now and June will be about preparing Holland for the WC. He'd probably get roundly criticized for taking his eye off the ball if he were to focus on United now.

Van Gaal's been there and done it before, he's probably already done as much preperation as possible without actually having any players at his disposal.

He also probably has big ideas, even at this stage, of what he would do with United. The things he'd want to implement will be variations of the same things he's implemented at other clubs, and he's probably already got a list of players he'd like to bring in swirling around in his head.

If he were to be appointed by the club, I imagine his time away at the World Cup won't be an issue.

 

[Balu]

All transfers were pushed by Hoeneß and Rummenigge. The coach ain't the one that signs. But ask Robben for it how his transfer happened - he has stated that it came through the connection with van Gaal and van Bommel.

Braafheid and Pranjic were clearly his transfers, just like Martinez was Heynckes' transfer or Thiago Guardiola's. Van Gaal didn't wish for Robben, he just accepted that we needed to strengthen the team when pressure rose after the shit football we played.

 

[#07]

I'd imagine everything between now and June will be about preparing Holland for the WC. He'd probably get roundly criticized for taking his eye off the ball if he were to focus on United now.

Well its well known he's currently in Portugal and Van Gaal has never really given a toss about the Dutch press (or anyone's press).

 

[buckooo1978]

At the moment Van Gaal's sitting about in a villa in Portugal doing nothing, waiting for the season to end and his Holland players to join their pre-World Cup camp at the end of May.

If appointed now he'd be able to assess our team, introduce himself to United, go over our transfer targets, say who he wants and lay the groundwork for after the World Cup. There's actually more risk in trying to get another manager who is currently tied up as they would not be free until the season is over, at the earliest (due to negotiations over compensation it could take longer), and the World Cup would then be 2-3 weeks away.

Yes and I'd like to think that after last Summer the club and Woodward in particular will not be kicking our heels waiting to prepare for next season - If Van Gaal is the man I'm sure between Van Persie and the club he will have some good background information and if he was approached by the club some time ago the nature of the man would suggest he has familiarised himself with our strengths and weaknesses

it would be typical United to wait for Ancelotti, get rebuffed, go for Van Gaal and waste the time we have to prepare for the next season

 

[Sweet Square]

lol

I was believed all of that right up to the mascot part.

 

[Cooksen]

lol

That is awesome.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Yeah this. Added to which if he intends to keep the likes of Giggs & Scholes around (and all indications are that he probably would) they can smooth over that small transition period.

Transfer wise is where it gets a bit more confusing. I'd assume the club would brief the new manager on our potential targets and it would be on his say so. Or is that not the case?

You'd assume it's a bit of both, he'd have his targets in mind, the club will have players that they've been scouting for him to also have a say on...

The big problem is him not seeing our players up close to know which ones he wants to sell/keep... though maybe he already has a firm idea? Who knows...

 

[LR7]

Holland, Ajax and erm, Nottingham Forrest, "legend" Bryan Roy reckons he'd jump at the chance.



http://www.football365.com/news/21554/9279170/Roy-Bryan-Says-Van-Gaal-Wants-The-United-Job

Have to say, the more I read about the man, the more I want him in charge...

Same.

 

[Balu]

how can you tell - apart from idle speculation - that Van Gaal didn't care if Bayern signed Robben

these statements always puzzle me

Van Gaal is pretty honest in public. He usually tells the journalists directly if he wants a player or not. For example, he said, he doesn't want Coentrao, because Alaba is just as good as leftback. Same with Khedira, when we wanted to sign him and van Gaal vetoed. He mostly didn't want any players at all. He talked in interviews about selling Schweinsteiger and being proud of making a profit. He said, he doesn't need Neuer, Kraft is a equally talented goalkeeper. Van Gaal's public honesty really became a problem regarding the team, just like his delusion about being able to turn every talent into a worldclass player started to hinder the development of the club. He completely lost the balance between bringing youth players through and adding quality players with transfers, but if you want to be a top club in Europe, you need both.

 

[Blackwidow]

Braafheid and Pranjic were clearly his transfers, just like Martinez was Heynckes' transfer or Thiago Guardiola's. Van Gaal didn't wish for Robben, he just accepted that we needed to strengthen the team when pressure rose after the shit football we played.

Braafheid and Pranjic were utility players for the bench. They did not cost much. Bayern at that time already had spent big money for e.g. Gomez. Van Gaal for sure did not push the Robben transfer - he works with that what he gets - but he was involved in it and a big reason why Robben decided to go to Bayern. (the other was van Bommel)

If he would not have wanted him he would not have come...

 

[Balu]

Braafheid and Pranjic were utility players for the bench. They did not cost much. Bayern at that time already had spent big money for e.g. Gomez. Van Gaal for sure did not push the Robben transfer - he works with that what he gets - but he was involved in it and a big reason why Robben decided to go to Bayern. (the other was van Bommel)

If he would not have wanted him he would not have come...

I agree, but that's pretty much what I said from the start.

 

[buckooo1978]

Van Gaal is pretty honest in public. He usually tells the journalists directly if he wants a player or not. For example, he said, he doesn't want Coentrao, because Alaba is just as good as leftback. Same with Khedira, when we wanted to sign him and van Gaal vetoed. He mostly didn't want any players at all. He talked in interviews about selling Schweinsteiger and being proud of making a profit. He said, he doesn't need Neuer, Kraft is a equally talented goalkeeper. Van Gaal's public honesty really became a problem regarding the team, just like his delusion about being able to turn every talent into a worldclass player started to hinder the development of the club. He completely lost the balance between bringing youth players through and adding quality players with transfers, but if you want to be a top club in Europe, you need both.

the Schweinsteiger and Neuer statements seem strange - you'd have to question his ambition with statements about making profits on players

makes you wonder about whether the Glazers will back him in the transfer market or expect him to get the best out of Jones/Smalling etc...

how did you rate him as Bayern Manager?

 

[Theon]

Van Gaal's been there and done it before, he's probably already done as much preperation as possible without actually having any players at his disposal.

No he hasn't, he failed to qualify with Holland for the 2002 World Cup. He lost out to Ireland that time. The World Cup is new territory for him and I agree with Raoul that his focus will of course be on doing well there, because it's such a big job.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

No he hasn't, he failed to qualify with Holland for the 2002 World Cup. He lost out to Ireland that time. The World Cup is new territory for him and I agree with Raoul that his focus will of course be on doing well there, because it's such a big job.

I mean - with his experience in football, which is extensive to say the least, you'd imagine he's prepared himself as much as he can for the World Cup by this juncture. As many have said, and has been reported, his in Portugal at the moment anyway....

 

[Blackwidow]

Van Gaal is pretty honest in public. He usually tells the journalists directly if he wants a player or not. For example, he said, he doesn't want Coentrao, because Alaba is just as good as leftback. Same with Khedira, when we wanted to sign him and van Gaal vetoed. He mostly didn't want any players at all. He talked in interviews about selling Schweinsteiger and being proud of making a profit. He said, he doesn't need Neuer, Kraft is a equally talented goalkeeper. Van Gaal's public honesty really became a problem regarding the team, just like his delusion about being able to turn every talent into a worldclass player started to hinder the development of the club. He completely lost the balance between bringing youth players through and adding quality players with transfers, but if you want to be a top club in Europe, you need both.

There is always white and black - and grey...

Van Gaal said that because Schweinsteiger was trying to push his wage at Bayern with other clubs... (it was more like - if you want to leave we get money for you - and not begging the player to stay - that would not be "van-Gaal-like")

He was right with Coentrao and Alaba. He just did not want to spend 30 millions for a mediocre left back. But we spent a lot for Gustavo in his second year - and that was for sure a van Gaal transfer.

And he tried to save his young talents he tried to develop. But that Neuer story already was part of that Alpha-Male-fight with Hoeneß. I do not think only van Gaal is to blame here. The story with Kraft started when the deal with Neuer already was done. Kraft made his first matches for Bayern after the winter break in 2010/11 - the talks with Neuer and everything happened before that - even if the story in public was later... It was more the way Hoeneß made that deal with Neuer behind his back that let van Gaal react...

-----------

A lot about that last half season in which van Gaal was the Bayern coach was influenced by that fight between this two stubborn Alpha males - yes, sure, the success was not there than but that you really can explain with all the injuries etc.

 

[Balu]

the Schweinsteiger and Neuer statements seem strange - you'd have to question his ambition with statements about making profits on players

how did you rate him as Bayern Manager?

He really became delusional and thought he could turn every talent into a superstar, because Müller and Badstuber were instantly successful.

I love that we got him, he turned the club around, gave us a longterm plan that was worth following through, teached all the players some basics they clearly didn't know before (mostly technique, positioning and movement). He was the right person to make necessary but unpopular decisions, I'm thankful for that. But I was glad to see him leave. Within 8 months in the new season, the whole squad was in disarray. Everyone was fighting with each other, Robben choked Müller on the pitch at the end of a game, Ribery punched Robben at halftime. Everyone hated playing football all of a sudden and van Gaal's stubborn tactics were found out and countered by every decent manager in the league. The amazing football we played at the end of his first season was gone. The basics were still there though and Heynckes could build an amazing team on van Gaal's work.

 

[ZDwyr]

I'm going to be aprehensive if we sign him. He seems like a gamble. Not like Moyes in the "can he handle it?" gamble, but the "how will his ego/personality fit in at the club."

 

[Keenst]

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/9280298/van-gaal-the-only-choice-for-de-boer

Holland legend Ronald de Boer has backed his compatriot Louis van Gaal for the Manchester United job.

Following David Moyes' sacking on Tuesday, Van Gaal is the odds-on favourite to step into the Old Trafford hot seat this summer - and De Boer has talked up the 62-year-old's credentials.

The former Ajax and Barcelona midfielder told Sky Sports: "I think he [Van Gaal] would be an excellent choice. He has all the qualities to run the team for Manchester United.

"He has every skill. He took me back to Ajax and we had all that success and then we went to Barcelona. He wasn't so successful with the Dutch team but he's still heading for the World Cup and for me he has all the skills to run a difficult club like United.

"You need to have a vision to adapt to a situation. You need to know when to change a team with new players and young players. He has a very good eye in that way.

"As for his technical skills, there were no doubts about that - he was always out front. He could change thing with one or two technical moves and everything was perfect again. When you work with him you understand his composure and work ethic."

Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm, who has worked under Van Gaal for the national side, told Sky Sports News: "I think he's very clever. You can tell that he's got a lot of experience and he analyses teams very well.

"He's very straightforward and for me, he's one of the best managers that I've worked with because he makes it very clear in what he wants. It doesn't matter who you are - he treats everybody the same.

"If he comes to the Premier League, he will do well no matter which team he's going to coach. I'm 100% sure that with his experience and what he's already achieved, he would fit the bill at United."



Vorm's current club boss, interim player-manager Garry Monk, offered words of encouragement to United counterpart Ryan Giggs.

The 35-year-old said: "He knows football. He's a club legend. You'll get people questioning him experience-wise but you can't tell me that he doesn't know football. I just wish him all the best.

"It's sad when a manager goes but Ryan has an opportunity there and I'm sure he'd be a good man for the job.

"From a player point of view, when you're a player going into that role, the advantage is that you know the players really well. You know what they're thinking and you know what they want.

"It's an advantage you have to try and use. It doesn't always work and it's not always so simple. Normally when there's a change it's because the club's been in trouble and performances haven't been right.

"It's never an easy situation. It's something that I find out. It's something where you have to have the trust of your players and try and put your points across."

 

[stevoc]

Does Van Gaal have any usual assistants that he drags around with him from club to club does anyone know?

 

[simonhch]

The man is a lunatic but he's also a genius. It's bound to be a mixed bag if we get him. But some of the things he does, I just have to admire. This was the coach who converted Schweinsteiger from a left winger to a midfielder and Alaba from a midfielder to a left back. He also gave debuts to Pujol, Xavi, Iniesta and Muller amongst others.

I bet he'll see things within our squad that we never saw. Maybe Adnan is a number 8?

 

[Ubik]

Guardian reporting he's the main target, Glazers flying in to be Glazerish:

The Glazers will fly in to Manchester to meet Ed Woodward on Friday for discussions with the executive vice-chairman about who is to replaceDavid Moyes as United's manager.

Led by Joel Glazer, with whom Woodward talks on a daily basis, the owners want to ensure a clear strategy is established regarding how to pursue their prime target, thought to be Louis van Gaal.

With the Holland coach taking up official duties on 7 May at a training camp for Netherlands-based players, Van Gaal and the Dutch Football Association have stated that any action regarding his post-World Cup future should finish before then so that he can concentrate on the tournament.

Van Gaal has been clear that if this does not occur he is content to wait until mid-July, when the tournament ends and his contract expires, to find a club. Woodward is aware of the 7 May deadline and believes that if Van Gaal is to be the prime target a deal for him to take over after Brazil 2014 can be signed off and announced before then.

Woodward will discuss this and other potential candidates, who include Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti, with the Glazers, along with transfer strategy.

The Glazers are thought to want a more hands-on role in finding Moyes's successor than last year when they allowed Sir Alex Ferguson to choose the Everton manager as his replacement.

Woodward was in Madrid on Wednesday to see the Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. It is not known if he planned to meet Van Gaal, who is at his holiday home in Portugal, before returning home. The Irish Examiner has reported that Van Gaal would like Roy Keane, the former United captain and current Republic of Ireland No2, as his assistant if he takes the job.

The Glazers will also see Ryan Giggs, United's caretaker manager, on Friday to wish him luck for Saturday's visit of Norwich City and for the subsequent final three matches of the season.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/23/glazers-manchester-united-discussions-new-manager (I cut out some repeated stuff about Moyes' statement at the bottom)

Waiting until mid-July would be less than ideal, although the Dutch are more likely to be out earlier than that. Still, if we're keen getting it done, before the 7th would be best.

 

[hungrywing]

He really became delusional and thought he could turn every talent into a superstar, because Müller and Badstuber were instantly successful.

I love that we got him, he turned the club around, gave us a longterm plan that was worth following through, teached all the players some basics they clearly didn't know before (mostly technique, positioning and movement). He was the right person to make necessary but unpopular decisions, I'm thankful for that. But I was glad to see him leave. Within 8 months in the new season, the whole squad was in disarray. Everyone was fighting with each other, Robben choked Müller on the pitch at the end of a game, Ribery punched Robben at halftime. Everyone hated playing football all of a sudden and van Gaal's stubborn tactics were found out and countered by every decent manager in the league. The amazing football we played at the end of his first season was gone. The basics were still there though and Heynckes could build an amazing team on van Gaal's work.

Sounds kind of like those CEOs corporations bring in for a year or two when they 'restructure'. The guy/gal that is technically 'in charge' during the period when everyone is laid off. Then the new guy comes in and the 'hated' guy gets a hefty paycheck.

 

[Ducklegs]

I don't see us going for Van Gaal.

It's a smokescreen while we work on another target.

 

[MDFC Manager]

So we're likely to know one way or the other by May 7th? That's a good thing I suppose.

 

[Revan]

Underperformance did him for Barca, let's not pretend that he has a perfect record. He was sacked after half a season with Barcelona in 12th position and three points off the relegation zone.

Yes, but he won back to back titles in the previous 2 seasons. Personally, I would take that underperformance.

 

[Cal?]

Keano as assistant is a bad idea... Why can't Van Gaal go with Giggs or one of the Dutch ex-players?