End of season review
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This is obviously opinion based and not based on stats or anything, so any feedback is welcome.
The Expectations:
At the start of the season, following the disaster that was last season, I think I would be with the majority of United fans in saying that top 4 in the league was the expectation of the side this year, with anything higher (ie. 1st place) would've been lovely but, in hindsight, ynrealistic. It would have been great to have won a trophy, the FA Cup or Capital One Cup specifically, and I don't feel that was an unreasonable ask, but being that we have just about managed to qualify for the Champions League again next year, I am satisfied that we have met our expectations this season.
The Boss
Coming with an impressive CV, a big reputation and following on from an impressive World Cup display, many were expecting miracles from Mr van Gaal early on. Perhaps, indeed, too much. An explosive summer of transfers only further boosted thess expectations. However, questionable tactical decisions and constant changes in formation brought us back down to planet Earth and made for a poor start to Louis van Gaal's United career. However, eventually it all clicked together and we managed to achieve our goals with a game to spare after some very impressive performances against big rivals, something we failed to deliver last year. All in all a solid if unspectacular start for King Louis.
The Transfers
Some highs and some lows in a mixed window of transfers. Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo have all impressed me in their first seasons, but Luke Shaw's good performances have been sporadic, hindered by injury and Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria have both failed to impress. The jury remains out on Victor Valdes. Sales wise we haven't done too bad. None of our sales have been massively missed this season, with both our major outgoers, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, having been very average. Whilst Tom Cleverley and Wilfried Zaha have had bright moments, neither have been particularly missed by the club. Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra have also failed to replicate the kind of brilliance that got them recognised as some of the best in the business at Manchester United.
The Stars
David de Gea: Having De Gea in our goal this year has been massive in achieving our goals. He has amazed fans with some jaw dropping saves this year, and rightly won our player of the year award. It would be as good as a new signing if we manage to get this man tied down to a new long term deal.
Ashley Young: Having recieved endless abuse from just about everyone, you can't not fell good for Ashley Young this season. He has performed consistently brilliantly in many different areas of the pitch this season and deserves a lot of credit.
Marouane Fellaini: Again, it's hard not to feel good for Marouane Fellaini this year. Whilst not quite justifying his 27m pound price tag, he has on numerous occasions performed to a very hgih standard this season and produced some match winning performances against some very big rivals.
Ander Herrera: There were numerous people who suggested that United had overpaid when ae signed Ander Herrera for a substantial fee from Bilbao last summer. However, many great performances later and impressive stats have made him the most impressive of our new signings this season.
Paddy McNair: I'm sure this will be a surprise for many of you, but, as first impressions go, I've been impressed with McNair this season. Sure, there have been games where he's underwhelmed, but I would argue that Paddy has had a good start to his career this season.
Honourable Mentions: Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling
The Flops
Adnan Januzaj: After his rise to fane last year, I have to say I have been disappointed with Adnan in his second season as a red devil. I definitely won't discount him uet, but he has failed to show the same promise that made him such a popular figure last year
Angel Di Maria: A world beating peformance last season and a Premier League record fee meant expectations of Angel Di Maria were massive. I think it's fair to say that, after an impressive start and an injury, he has failed to live up to them this season, so mucb so that there is already uncertainty over his future at the club. Who know's what the future holds?
Radamel Falcao: When the news broke on deadline day that we would be loaning in Falcao many including myself erre full of excitement. Several months later and it's fair to say it's been a bit if a disappointment. Whilst his work rate has been commendable, his predator instinct that made him so reverred across Europe just hasn't been there this season, and it comes as no surprise that we will not opt to make his loan permanent.
Jonny Evans: In all honesty, Jonny Evans has never been a player that I've rated particularly highly. This season has only proved to me that he is not United standard. He has never really impressed this season and should be sold on in the summer.
Robin van Persie: I absolutely loved Robin in his first season at the club and I still respect the huge level of talent that he has. However, like last season, his heart really doesn't seem in it and, like Evans, I feel as if his time at the club should be up.
The Verdict
Overall, Louis van Gaal's first season as boss has been a mixed one. No where near the catastrophe that was last season, which I have found myself mentioning an unnerving amount of times, but not near the highs that we saw under Sir Alex Ferguson either. It would've been nice to have seen a trophy come in, but I accept that the club was still very much in a transition phase this season, but I'm hoping for better things next season.
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