The Premier League Game of Thrones

Louis Van Gaal – Manchester United

Jul 29, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Manchester United coach Louis Van Gaal walks off the field after beating Inter Milan 5-3 in penalty kicks at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Projected Finish: 4th

How’d he do?

Luckily for Van Gaal, most managers are judged by how they finish and not how they began. United struggled early in the season under Van Gaal’s extensive reworking. Heavy player rotation, mostly forced on Van Gaal by injury, meant that no one formation or tactic could be settled on for much of the city. Only in the last two months has United really begun to flourish. United’s performance against Chelsea last weekend might not have secured a win, but it was among their more impressive efforts of the season. Many doubted United’s luck going into a difficult run of games to end the season, but current intensity levels should see United through to a Champions League place.

Season Highlight: Marouane Fellaini’s head.

Season Lowlight: Either of the past two games might fall into the category. United feel vaguely like a team that have been found out too soon.

Future?

Most definitely In. United’s perhaps naive hope that David Moyes would be the next Alex Ferguson was duefully punished last season. Though United can not hope for as long a run at the helm as Ferguson’s for the 63 year old Van Gaal, they will not doubt want him in charge for as long as possible. Another dip into the transfer market this summer should secure United’s place near or at the top next season.