LVG WAS THE SECOND COACH IN STOCKHOLM

Louis van Gaal was the second coach as Manchester United ran away winners against Ajax at the Stockholm final.

LVG was sent to relieve the team from the failures of David Moyes but he failed to do the needed quick revamp. The fans revolted. A former Ajax, Barcelona and Netherlands coach yet no one could fill the shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, on that Europa League night, the team reeked of LVG’s long term plans. He brought in Sergio Romero whom he managed during his stint at AZ Alkmaar. Not same Romero is thought to be a decent replacement for David De Gea if he moves to Real Madrid. Marcos Rojo in defence was a signing of LVG. He has been brilliant when he combines with Eric Baily this term.

The Chris Smalling and Daley Blind partnership was ignited by the same Dutch coaching legend. This is the second choice in centre defence if the Rojo/Baily thingy is not available anytime. Ferguson first experimented with Antonio Valencia at right back when he wanted Luis Nani on the field at all cost. Moyes did not think it right but LVG saw the potential, pushing out Rafael dal Silva.

Mourinho takes all the praise regarding Valencia and the fans forget. Mourinho was the one that saw Ander Herrera’s potential but LVG was the one that signed him as Moyes delayed. In attack, now that the experienced head of Zlatan Ibrahimovic would miss the game, is it not LVG’s brilliance that saw Marcus Rashford develop into the star he is? It was same LVG that promoted Jesse Lingard to the senior team.

LVG would be labelled a failure at Old Trafford but true football people know he did beyond lifting the FA Cup.