Van the Man!

Article by e-Manchester United's Lee Ellis

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Louis Van Gaal's eagerly awaited first press conference was held today, and we saw an insight as to his ideas, plans and views for the forthcoming season and beyond.

Van Gaal started by thanking club legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, whilst posing with the new shirt and having his picture taken. Of Sir Bobby he said;

"First of all I want to thank Sir Bobby Charlton. It's a great honour to come into this stadium and be guided on my first steps with Sir Bobby Charlton. I have the age to have seen him play so I know what he means to Manchester United and English football, it was a great honour."

He then went on to answer questions regarding current players, new acquisitions, the much debated captain issue and more. Let's re-wind twelve months ago. David Moyes sat in the same seat and spoke of winning trophies, competing at the highest level and signing the best players. Which, i might add, he did none of. Van Gaal didn't really do that. He was more realistic.

It's easy for us Man United fans to expect to win, to expect the best, because that's what we are used to. But let's not forget last season, have we taken our position for granted? Van Gaal knows that the task in front of him is a big one and that's not due to the size of the the club. We finished seventh last season... seventh. Blame Moyes, blame Woodward, blame the coaching staff, the fact of the matter is the players didn't perform. They let themselves and the manager down. Van Gaal is now trusted to pick the spirits up of the players feeling sorry for themselves and turn them into a title winning team......... I don't see it happening, not immediately and it's almost as if Van Gaal knows that too. One thing is for sure, he will try his hardest to make that dream a reality.

Van Gaal answers a question about the impact he hopes to make. "I'll do my utmost....I can't give predictions. It's the biggest club in the world.'

What does he expect to achieve in his time at United? Van Gaal doesn't really answer that, saying it's the biggest club in the world in terms of worldwide renown, but that in a sporting way no club that finishes seventh can call itself that. "But all over the world, in China, in Brazil, when I was coach of the Dutch team, people are talking about Manchester United."

How long will he need to turn things around? He won't give a figure here, but says the club took him because they were "excited" by his philosophy.

I was also impressed and pleased that Van Gaal hopes to keep some of the Class of 92' on in some sort of role. This, I felt, was an important thing he needed to do. He's not daft. He knows that surrounding himself by people who know the club inside out, he will gain a greater knowledge of the "Manchester United" way.

The only thing that didn't really impress me about this press conference was when asked about signings. I really hoped he would say, there's a good few lads here who will be getting booted out because they aren't good enough, or let the club down last season!! That was never going to happen. I like to dream. He was respectful and gave everybody hope that they could be part of his new revolution. So Bebe, you might still be in with a shout!!

A question about signings: Van Gaal wants to look at the players he has inherited; he knows their style, but wants to spend three or four weeks seeing what they can do up close. "And then maybe, in three or four weeks, I buy other players." Also Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera were on a pre-existing list that Van Gaal says he approved.

Finally the question on most of the fan's minds..... who's going to be the captain? I half expected him to there and then, tell us what we already know, that RVP was going to be our new leader. Oh no, Tom Cleverley's ears perked up when Van Gaal said:

"All the players are potential candidates for the captaincy, It's very important for me, so I will need time to decide."

Van Gaal filled me with confidence. Not that we will win the league, but that we have got the right man. I feel he will bring back success, hopefully sooner rather than later, as long as the players are willing to work hard. Let's face it, if they don't, they can say goodbye to playing for the biggest club in the world. Roll on August!!!!!

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