The fans of Manchester United have set the bar too high.
Those are the thoughts of Louis van Gaal, who has finished in fourth and fifth place in the Premier League during his two seasons as manager of United.
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Speaking after United’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday in the final game of the season -- the match was rearranged following a dummy explosive device, which it was later revealed was left in the stadium accidentally, forced Old Trafford to be evacuated last Sunday -- Van Gaal talked about the expectations levels being too lofty about supporters of the Red Devils.
The frustration among United’s fans is growing as it seems more and more likely that he will remain in charge next season (the third and final year of his contract) despite failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of reception Van Gaal gets following Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley against Crystal Palace. When he got on the mic at Old Trafford on Tuesday he was loudly booed by home fans but is adamant he will remain in charge next season.
Even if LVG delivers the first piece of silverware since the Sir Alex Ferguson era ended in 2013, there are many United fans who want him out as the brand of soccer has been bland, hasn’t delivered results and the majority of the $375 million he’s spent over the last two years has not been spent wisely.
Yes, United have had injuries to key players this season and have been forced to dip into their academy but they are where they deserve to be which is out of the Champions League and heading for a Europa League campaign next season.
Whether or not Van Gaal will be in charge next season is another factor, especially with reports ramping up about Jose Mourinho taking over with each and every day that passes.
