Van Gaal perfect for United
United are embarking on a new era with Van Gaal at the helm following David Moyes’ disappointing 10-month spell in charge.
Under the Scot, who was selected by Alex Ferguson to succeed him, United endured their worst campaign in Premier League history, finishing seventh.
Van Gaal appears to be slowly putting United back on track.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a successful pre-season tour so far, registering wins over Los Angeles Galaxy, Roma and Inter Milan.
And off the pitch the players have responded well to his demands for unity, strength and commitment.
“It’s marvellous. I am so pleased with the way it has turned out,” Charlton, the club’s record goal scorer, said.
United have been quick to make their move in the transfer market this summer, sighing Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera last month for a combined fee of £55 million (€69m). More signings are expected.
The Moyes era began with a failed attempt to sign Herrera and his compatriot Cesc Fabregas.
Charlton, a director at Old Trafford, concedes errors were made in Moyes’ only year in charge.
“We struggled a little bit last year and maybe a few people made a few mistakes but I don’t think we will make them now,” said the 76-year-old, who made 758 appearances for the club.
“Hopefully we will be well-served by a really clever man.”
Of the failures of Moyes’ reign, the biggest was his failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Van Gaal believes his team have a chance to prove they still belong among the European elite today though when they face Real Madrid, who won their 10th Champions League trophy last term.
A win will guarantee United a place in the International Champions Cup final — and Van Gaal thinks victory would also go some way to proving United are still a force to be reckoned with.
Reflecting on the three wins he has registered so far, the United boss said: “We played against AS Roma, who were second in the Italian league, then against Inter Milan, who were third in the Italian league.
“Now we play Real Madrid and it is nice to play against such teams, so you can show you are at least equal.”
Making Monday’s final, and beating potential opponents Liverpool or Manchester City to take home a prize of $1m(€740,000), would be a perfect way to round off what has been a successful tour for Van Gaal. After their exploits in the United States, Van Gaal will take his squad back to Manchester, where they play Valencia at Old Trafford before the season begins on August 16 against Swansea.
Van Gaal has always been a fan of the English game and he is looking forward to experiencing his first taste of Premier League football.
“I have always looked to matches of England,” said Van Gaal, who lists Charlton and Nobby Stiles among his favourite United players.
“I like the atmosphere of the English games. To work for the biggest club in England and the world makes it more of a challenge for me.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has stepped up his fitness work at Real Madrid’s base in Los Angeles in the last few days but won’t feature against his former club as coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep him fit for the European Super Cup tie against Sevilla in Cardiff on August 12.
“Ronaldo is working hard but we won’t put him out tomorrow,” the former Chelsea boss said.
Louis van Gaal may have only started work as Manchester United manager two weeks ago, but he has already made his mark on the club.
Twelve different nationalities are represented in Van Gaal’s squad, but they have been told to speak English to each other. Van Gaal himself is fluent in English, Spanish, German and Dutch.
Van Gaal sees meal times as a good time for squad bonding, so he has replaced rectangular tables with circular ones to encourage interaction.
Each night at 10:30pm, Van Gaal sits down with his coaches and senior staff to discuss player progress and plans for the following day.
High-definition cameras have been installed at United’s training ground and they have also been evident on the pre-season tour of America to track the players in training.
Desso training pitches have been laid at Carrington and new trees have been planted to protect them from wind — a problem raised by Van Gaal in his first interview as United manager.
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