Are Manchester United Back For Good?

[JacobMth]

We all know how well they have played during pre-season...But does anyone feel that they can take that good form and apply it when it really matters?

[factor-fiction]

I think they'll have a good season- unfortunately

[jeffa]

I'm not sure yet. Louis van Gaal's only managerial achievement is leading Netherlands to third place in the recent World Cup - he won nothing with Ajax, Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and putting seven past LA Galaxy is very different to an away match at Stamford Bridge or Anfield.

[Arksided]

Last season Liverpool had a great run in for the title. (They won't have a better chance than that) Obviously without European football benefited the scousers.

To answer your question Yes they can bring it IMO. its a predictive question though without any European distractions. I believe United will certainly be in the top three in May.

[VHG]

Won nothing with Ajax?

Wikipedia says

Van Gaal was Ajax manager from 1991 until 1997 and had a very successful tenure. Under Van Gaal, Ajax became the Eredivisie champions three times, in 1994, 1995 (notably going the entire 1994–95 season unbeaten in both the league and the Champions League) and 1996. He also led Ajax to the KNVB Cup in 1993 and the Johan Cruijff Shield in 1993, 1994, and 1995. On the European scene, Ajax captured the UEFA Cup in 1992 and the UEFA Champions League in 1995 after beating Milan in the final. The latter win was followed by a 5–1 aggregate win over Real Zaragoza in the 1995 UEFA Super Cup. Late in 1995, Ajax beat Brazilian side Grêmio on penalties to win the Toyota Cup (formerly Intercontinental Cup). Ajax were also Champions League runners-up in 1996 after losing to Juventus on penalties.

Ajax was so successful under Van Gaal's leadership that during the 1990s, the Dutch national team was dominated by Ajax players such as Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank and Ronald de Boer, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Winston Bogarde, Michael Reiziger, and Edwin van der Sar.

[VHG]

Won nothing with Barcelona?

Wikipedia says

He moved to Barcelona in 1997, taking over from Bobby Robson, and helped the team win two league championships (1997–98, 1998–99) and the Copa del Rey once.

[VHG]

Won nothing with Bayern?

Wikipedia says

On 8 May 2010, FC Bayern were crowned Bundesliga champions following a 3–1 win at Hertha BSC, making Van Gaal the first ever Dutch coach to win the Bundesliga. 15 May 2010, Bayern won the DFB-Pokal with a 4–0 defeat of SV Werder Bremen, thus securing the domestic double.

[VHG]

Alex Fergusons "win ratio" with Man Utd was 59.67% which is a great figure over so many years. Wegner's win ratio at Arsenal is 57.23% which is also excellent good.

Van Gall's win ratio at Ajax was 68.35% (while I admit it is a weaker league), his win ratio at Bayern was 61.46%, and for the Netherlands it was 60.71%.

Roy Hodgson's win ratio with England is currently 48.39% !!!

However he has a major rebuilding job at Utd and losing Vidic, Evra and Ferdinand was a big blow, and his midfield is very unbalanced with Rooney, Mata and others all fighting for the same spot, but with poor defensive midfield options.

[Hopkirk]

Simple answer - no.

They are still going to struggle.

[Arksided]

I'm looking forward to watching them play again, hoping that they play well again this season.

[davetuc]

Hope they finish 7th again, and Van Gaal is chucked out, just like Moyes.