When Louis van Gaal took charge at Manchester United, he never professed to being a miracle worker.
Nor did he reveal a magic wand.
But rebuilding and transitional period are words that make fans of this club uneasy. Sir Alex Ferguson spoilt them with success and it is clear they now have a massive task to match, and fulfil, great expectations. And, as Van Gaal admitted after yesterday’s dreary goalless draw at newly-promoted Burnley, two points from nine is not good enough for Manchester United.
Not for a side that has won titles galore, and harbours ambitions of reaching the top four and reclaiming a place among English football’s elite following last season’s disappointing seventh-placed finish.
And that is something his players need to reflect upon and decide whether they want to change – or become part of the change.
Once settled, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo should help them produce better performances than that at Turf Moor.
Di Maria was decent, if not devastating on his debut after his much-trumpeted £59.7 million (Dh363.9m) arrival from Madrid.
Some of his passing was inch-perfect, some not so. But what was encouraging was his desire and determination. He was eager to get on the ball, driven to make things happen, and not afraid to tell more established team-mates where to go and what to do. Others need to follow his example, to raise their game to the levels expected, and demanded, by Van Gaal.
The previous campaign under David Moyes showed that, Wayne Rooney excepted, several big-name players let their standards slip as the club faltered. Whether they wanted to play for Moyes or not, only they can answer. But the same cannot happen again – and Van Gaal cannot allow that to happen.
All summer there was a lot of talk about how he handles big names, his abrasive and disciplined nature, and being ruthless when required.
It’s fine getting rid of Shinji Kagawa, Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Javier Hernandez or Danny Welbeck as they are not going to revitalise United in the manner needed. But Van Gaal has to be decisive enough with decisions and to tinker with his tactics to get the best out of Rooney, Robin van Persie and especially Juan Mata.
The Spaniard was the marquee record signing back in January, but to say he has been a disappointment is an under-statement.
Mata was marvellous in Spain for Valencia and then shone in a troubled Chelsea team. But he has struggled in different roles under Moyes and now Van Gaal. He prefers to play behind the strikers, but a playmaker has to create and Di Maria looks far more suited to that role.
The Dutchman’s 3-5-2 tactics have come under scrutiny and more questionable decisions like this will only increase the pressure.
Van Gaal has pleaded for time to get things right and his record will ensure he gets that. But, with the transfer window closing tomorrow, the time now is for action, not words, nor excuses.
