The return of Premier League action today brings visible salvation for Manchester United supporters after the abysmal one-season David Moyes mistake.
“Mad genius” Louis van Gaal has lifted the mood at Old Trafford that sunk to unfathomable depths during last term’s painful run to seventh place.
The sight of the redoubtable Dutch boss marching out in front of the Stretford End to face Swansea will be manna from heaven for the fans this afternoon.
The support in the stands will be sonorous and clear. Such fervour has not been matched in the boardroom, however, with deafening silence surrounding United’s transfer activity since the early splurge on (now injured) left-back Luke Shaw and long-pursued midfield saviour Ander Herrera.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has again been labelled the villain of the piece, following on from last year’s embarrassingly poor performance in the window.
No top-flight club has signed fewer players. No club needed more additions to realise their ambitions.
Yet more transfer failings see Van Gaal hamstrung, putting the goodwill generated by his exalted arrival following the Netherlands’ run to third place at World Cup 2014 under threat.
United have, perplexingly, lost numbers rather than gaining them. Van Gaal’s switch to the 3-5-2 formation is hampered by the failure to acquire a midfield powerhouse or quality defenders such as targets Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind.
This portrayal was not fair for much of this summer, with Van Gaal declaring he intended to spend the lengthy – and successful – United States tour reviewing his squad.
Van Gaal diplomatically towed the party line in his press duties on Friday, refusing to exert any more pressure despite the inertia remaining a fortnight since the team’s return to British shores.
It appears only a matter of time before the Dutchman’s explosive temper snaps, especially if callow defenders Tyler Blackett and Reece James are exposed.
Two weeks remain for Woodward to show his words about “no fixed” budgets were not pure theatre. Acclaim will, belatedly, be his if the muchneeded star names arrive.
The limited Moyes stood little chance of succeeding, regardless of any buys. A similar toothless approach risks making the uplifting arrival of one of football’s great managers superfluous.
