FAN POWER 1 VAN POWER 0
United boss makes U-turn as supporters go on the attack
Follow us on Twitter: @peoplesport NOT many are brave enough to take on stubborn Louis van Gaal – but at Loftus Road Manchester United fans finally ended the Dutchman’s honeymoon.
Van Gaal has been given an easy ride since taking charge.
But with United labouring against relegation-threatened Rangers, the fans patience with the Dutchman’s 3- 5- 2 formation finally snapped.
“Attack, attack, attack” they mutinously yelled, rapidly followed by sustained chants of “4-4-2”.
The message to Van Gaal was clear – and 10 minutes after the restart, with Marouane Fellaini replacing Juan Mata at the break, United were playing 4-4-2.
Two minutes after that they were ahead, Fellaini ramming home from inside the box after Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia had cleverly combined.
The change of formation and Fellaini’s arrival made all the difference and from then on United looked a bigger threat.
Loaded
Despite a late rally by Harry Redknapp’s stars United stayed firm and youngster James Wilson scored a classy injury-time clincher.
It was a satisfying end for Van Gaal, especially after the home defeat by Southampton a week ago.
But for a side loaded with so much ability, United’s first-half display was astonishingly poor.
Van Gaal’s obsession with keeping possession means United play dozens of back passes, allowing the opposition to always be in position when the ball finally goes forward.
As a result the element of surprise has gone from United’s play. From a
Rooney is marooned too deep in midfield when he should be up top – no wonder United fans reacted with frustration as a dismal opening half drew to a stalemate.
It could even have been worse for United though with Rangers, fighting a survival battle, giving Van Gaal’s men as good as they got – and more.
United’s play was littered with mistakes starting with a wayward Mata pass that set up an early chance for Bobby Zamora which the striker snatched at.
The Spaniard made amends with a great pass to Falcao, restored to the team with Robin van Persie injured.
But the Colombian – who could easily have had a hat- trick – fired straight at Robert Green when he should have scored.
Instead the jitters set in. Eduardo Vargas planted an effort narrowly over before a bad mistake by Jonny Evans let in Charlie Austin.
Austin, player of the month for December, let rip but David de Gea parried his shot.
United had another escape when Barton found Austin who let fly with a sizzling volley which De Gea brilliantly saved with one hand.
Van Gaal made a change at the break hooking Mata for Fellaini – and his presence gave United a greater threat. Fer should have hit the target with a header from Barton’s 51st-minute free-kick before United stepped up their game.
The departure of Evans saw United go to a flat backfour – and instantly they looked better.
Falcao should have scored with a header from a Di Maria cross but Green saved well. Fellaini’s goal was a relief but United almost shot themselves in the foot. A mix up between Marcos Rojo and