The First Win Under Louis Van Gaal- My Review

The International break was over and it was time for some Premier League action, once again. And this wasn’t any normal return to the Premier League football for the Manchester United fans. There was a huge amount of expectation at stake. After spending more than any other team in the top European circuit in this summer transfer window, only a win would have given the much needed relief to all the United fans across the world, including me. After all, a team, comprising of Rooney, Van Persie, Angel Di Maria, Falcao, Juan Mata amongst other promising youngsters would be expected nothing, but a thumping win.

As the team lined up in the tunnel, with 4 of the 6 new purchases in the starting line-up, I got goose bumps all over my body. It was a completely new looking United team, with fresh faces in the squad. As the team entered the great Old Trafford pitch, the crowd welcomed them with loud cheers and applause. The fans were enthusiastic with the new-looked team and expected nothing but a victory. With the referee’s whistle, the match got off to a great start. Unlike last season, United played with a great flow, especially in the left wing department in the form of Angel Di Maria. His agility and pace was the power booster of United’s attack in the first half. And his opening goal from a free-kick was the icing on the cake for his beautiful performance. Ander Herrera’s inclusion in the mid-field reminded me of the wonderful days of Paul Scholes. Added to his quick passes, his presence in the opposition box was a delightful sight. He was obviously rewarded with a much-needed first goal in the United shirt. Daley Blind was playing as the holding mid-fielder and was the key contributor in pushing the United attack forward with his thoughtful passes. The strike force of Wayne Rooney and Van Persie didn’t have the scintillating partnership which was curved out by the great Alex Ferguson, but Rooney did manage to mark his name in the score sheet, with a signature right-leg shot in the net. The day wasn’t yet over for United or its fans. The crowd got greatly excited with the sight of Radamel Falcao warming up on the sidelines and a huge roar of cheer filled the Theatre of Dreams. My eyes glowed with unexplainable joy and happiness. With the crowd giving the much-needed motivation, Juan Mata added a goal to his name too. A goal fest was expected and the reality wasn’t too far from that. The only disappointed left in me was that the last 29 minutes or so, with Rooney, Falcao and Van Persie up in the front couldn’t manage a single goal between them. Even last season’s wonder-boy, Adnan Januzaj made two wasted opportunities, which left United with only one goal in the second half. But nevertheless, after so many months, I had witnessed a United match with a wide smile in my face. The immense joy of watching United play with that winning mentality was back again. It was pleasurable to watch a United team comprising of players like Rooney, Di Maria, Falcao, Mata, Van Persie, Herrera, Blind and even a couple of saves by De Gea summed up a great evening for Manchester United. Last season was a horror and this first win under Van Gaal brought back some much-needed happiness in me. It wasn’t just about the win, it was the way United played and the way the team showed confidence and the desire to win, which actually made me immensely pleased. Hope the glorious days left behind by the Great Sir Alex Ferguson comes back to Old Trafford once again.  

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