• The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe

Swansea defeat highlights scope of Van Gaal’s United task

Pink by Pink
May 13, 2015
in Latest
Swansea defeat highlights scope of Van Gaal’s United task

All the pre-season optimism at Manchester United, generated by Louis van Gaal’s appointment and some impressive friendly results, was quickly wiped out during a dismal opening-day home defeat to Swansea.

The shock 2-1 loss was United’s first defeat at Old Trafford on an opening weekend since 1972 and marked the first time Swansea have ever won there in the league. Following Van Gaal’s arrival, it was hoped last season’s struggles under David Moyes would be quickly forgotten but the Red Devils bore a striking resemblance to the side that thoroughly under-performed in 2013-14.

Slow to start, jittery in defence, sloppy in possession and only flickering into life at times in the final third, United lacked drive and, worryingly, desire against an admittedly well-drilled Swansea outfit. It wasn’t meant to be like this.

Of course, judging a side on one performance is far too hasty and it would be completely ridiculous to write off United and Van Gaal so soon. Opening-day results can frequently be very deceptive – as Moyes’s 4-1 win over the very same opponents 12 months ago proves nicely – but it is clear United have more work to do to get back in the mix for the top four than many people thought before a ball was kicked this season. The fact plenty of pundits (and the bookies) had Van Gaal’s side among the the leading candidates to actually win the Premier League before the action got underway shows just how much faith they had in the powers of the highly-respected Dutch coach but, on the evidence of the Swansea defeat, he has his work cut out. It is telling that their odds for the top prize (see http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting for more details) went out considerably after the early loss.

Luke Shaw’s untimely injury plus the sale of Patrice Evra to Juventus meant Van Gaal was forced to start rookie Tyler Blackett against Garry Monk’s side and there remains serious question marks over the defence following the summer departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Putting it simply, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, at the minute at least, simply do not look good enough to be the regular centre-half pairing this season.

Further up field £30m summer signing Ander Herrera seemed to struggle with the intensity of the Premier League in an underwhelming debut, while Juan Mata picked up where he left off at the end of last season – namely looking nowhere near as good as he did when at Chelsea. Only Wayne Rooney (again) came out of the game with any real credit as the England man seemed to thrive with the added responsibility of the captaincy. The fact that Van Gaal had to turn to the much-criticised Marouane Fellaini in the second half as United attempted to get back level underlined the lack of quality in depth, while Ashley Young and Nani also failed to impress.

So it’s clear there needs to be some big-name arrivals at Old Trafford before the transfer window closes. Plenty of top players continue to be heavily linked with United but, frustratingly for the fans, deals still seem some way off.

Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Marco Reus, Mats Hummels and Arturo Vidal have all been targeted without so far arriving and there needs to be a serious injection of quality if Van Gaal is to enjoy a better debut season at Old Trafford than his predecessor.

Related Posts

Latest

Bengals vs Chiefs Betting Odds, Spread, Predictions & Key Match Info: NFL Championship Game Summary (2023)

It’s time for the 2023 AFC Championship – and we have Bengals vs Chiefs for the third year in...

by Jamie Ingram
January 27, 2023
0
Latest

WWE Royal Rumble Betting Odds, News, Predictions & Picks (Fans Believe In The Rock)

WrestleMania season is upon us, with the WWE Royal Rumble 2023 just days away. In addition to the men’s...

by Jamie Ingram
January 27, 2023
0
Open Sud de France 2023 Betting Odds: Latest Open Sud de France Betting Lines, Tips, Bonuses, and More
Latest

Open Sud de France 2023 Betting Odds: Latest Open Sud de France Betting Lines, Tips, Bonuses, and More

The 36th edition of the ATP 250 Open Sud de France starts on January 30. The Open Sud de...

by Jamie Ingram
January 23, 2023
0
Latest

Liverpool vs Brighton Betting Odds, Predictions, Team News, and Line-Ups (Premier League 2022/2023)

Brighton welcomes Liverpool to the AMEX Stadium this weekend in what promises to be an exciting game of football,...

by Jamie Ingram
January 13, 2023
0
Load More
Next Post
Kit of the Week No.32: Middlesbrough home 1986-87

Kit of the Week No.32: Middlesbrough home 1986-87

Best Super Bowl Prop Bets: Find the Hottest Super Bowl 57 Prop Bets, Picks, Odds & Tips
Current

Best Super Bowl Prop Bets: Find the Hottest Super Bowl 57 Prop Bets, Picks, Odds & Tips

by Jamie Ingram
February 8, 2023
0
0

The big game is upon us on Sunday, February 12th, in Glendale, Arizona! It will feature two of the hottest...

Read more
Super Bowl Betting Odds, Lines & Predictions: Where to Bet On the Super Bowl LVII (2023)

Super Bowl Betting Odds, Lines & Predictions: Where to Bet On the Super Bowl LVII (2023)

February 8, 2023
0
Rio Open - Feb 20

Rio Open Betting Odds, Predictions, and Analysis: Guide to Online Betting on Rio Open 2023

February 7, 2023
0
delray open beach

Delray Beach Open Odds, Predictions & Analysis: Guide to Betting on the Delray Beach Open 2023

February 7, 2023
0

Grammy Predictions and Odds (2023): Who Will Win Best Pop Solo Performance & Other Prestigious Awards?

February 3, 2023
0
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2023 – Football Pink

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2022 - Ronnie Dog Media All Rights Reserved. Live Score

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail
  • Print Friendly
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr