Louis van Gaal: We could’ve been champions

Louis van Gaal produced the passion we don’t often see in the Old Trafford technical areas in a rousing, and amusing, speech at Manchester United’s awards evening.

Goalkeeper David De Gea scooped United’s player of the season award and the players’ player gong but it was van Gaal who hogged the spotlight with an address that included claims that his side was “very close” to Chelsea this season and “could have been the champions”.

In a rare show of humility, the Dutchman did admit his confidence had been rocked by United’s uncertain start to the season.