The players’ side of events – from July 2014 to May 2016 – is coming out.
It was obvious to just about anyone with a passing interest in football that all was not well within the Manchester United camp. The team squeaked into the Champions League last season and won an F.A Cup this time out but much of the football in between has been putrid and stultifying.
Both The Independent and Guardian appear to have been in contact with the same source, embedded within the United squad, as the papers’ revelations are mirror images.
Moving on from the bizarre, personal emails Louis van Gaal sent to his players, United’s malaise appears to have driven several wedges between squad members.
REPORT: Bizarre email system sums up the gulf that had grown between Louis van Gaal and players https://t.co/D5WmFOFEaz
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 23, 2016
Van Gaal, it is reported, had a set way he wanted United to play – strikers were ordered to take a touch, lay the ball off and get in the box, wingers were told to wait for full back overlaps rather than taking their man on and strikers (again) were instructed against first-time shots in the box.
Wayne Rooney’s early season slump was said to be down to the fact that he was following the LVG playbook. His form picked up – after he was dropped – at the turn of the year when he decided to play his natural game [ie: the back-flick goal against Swansea].
One player that was highly regarded by the Dutchman was Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian prospered under van Gaal as he took instruction well. As Daniel Taylor writes in The Guardian:
‘Van Gaal appreciated the way Fellaini listened to orders when it was obvious other players wanted to use their own initiative.’
Another favourite of van Gaal created a schism between the squad after picking up a series of injuries over the season.
Bastian Schweinsteiger played 29 times [21 starts] for United in his debut season, scoring once and providing two assists. He was injured twice on United duty and once while training with the German national team.
United’s players, according to both papers, were far from happy about Schweinsteiger being allowed constant trips home to Germany during his spells on the sidelines.
One source told The Independent that the 31-year-old was ‘take the piss’ with his frequent absences from training sessions and matches.
Such a proud moment celebrating my first title with @ManUtd! Wishing you all a fantastic Sunday 🏆👍🏼 #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/r99BiPyo4U
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) May 22, 2016
Memphis Depay does not evade criticism from the senior United source. The Dutch winger was apparently advised against driving his Rolls Royce so much, especially after his dreadful cameo in the away draw with Chelsea.
Memphis did not heed those words and continued to show up for matches – senior and U21 – and training in the Rolls.
A lot of work to do for the next United boss.
