The second season of Louis van Gaal’s revolution may have started with a victory, but Manchester United left much to be desired as they toiled to a 1-0 win over Tottenham.
Only 12 months ago the Dutchman’s tenure began with defeat to Swansea at Old Trafford, so three points in any form on Saturday will have come as a relief to supporters.
But there remain nagging doubts about Van Gaal’s vision, and whether he can eventually restore United to the top of the Premier League pile.
For a manager seemingly so decisive in his intentions, Van Gaal’s actions speak rather differently. It is rare to see a record signing depart as hastily as Angel Di Maria, while Victor Valdes is soon set to follow despite being the club’s best replacement for Real Madrid-bound David de Gea.
Although perceived personality clashes played a part in Di Maria’s sale and Valdes’ exclusion, the same cannot be said for Ander Herrera – who can attest to Van Gaal’s fickle nature more than anyone.
The Spaniard, signed for £29m in June 2014, forced himself into the first team in the back half of the 2014/15 campaign after starting only six matches before January. On Saturday he found himself a substitute again, replacing Memphis Depay in the 68th minute.
It was clear that United missed Herrera’s impetus, with a central pairing of Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick lacking the 25-year-old’s drive as well as his natural understanding with Juan Mata.
“I think we play well together because we understand each other and sometimes without speaking or looking we know where we’re going to pass or where we’re going to move on the pitch,” said Mata after scoring from Herrera’s assist in the 2-1 win at Liverpool in April.
It appears to be a connection Van Gaal is happy to overlook.
What shouldn’t be forgotten, though, is that only three United players contributed more than Herrera’s six strikes in the Premier League last season, while a further three provided more assists – including Di Maria.
All played in more matches than the Spaniard, whose involvement in the closing months of the campaign helped secure a top-four finish.
The signs that Van Gaal’s lack of faith has returned were evident in pre-season, when Herrera failed to make the first XI in any of United’s four matches on their tour of the US – surely leaving the midfielder scratching his head at his treatment.
The acquisition of a centre-back in the mould of Sergio Ramos may help his cause, with that development possibly prompting Van Gaal to forgo the extra defensive protection ensured by a Schneiderlin-Carrick partnership.
Until then, however, it looks as though Herrera faces another uphill battle to prove his worth, with Bastian Schweinsteiger another significant obstacle to hurdle.
He may feel he has already done enough to convince the manager of his qualities but, when dealing with Van Gaal, no-one can ever be certain of their future.
